Crooked teeth can cause more than just dental problems. They can trigger all kinds of trouble from headaches to faulty hearing, digestive ailments, even mood swings and poor self-esteem.

Crooked teeth are most often something we inherit. Sometimes they are the legacy of destructive personal habits like thumb sucking and lip or nail biting. Age and tooth wear can also cause major bite disorders.

Crooked or crowded teeth at the front of the mouth can make people feel self-conscious, insecure and even depressed. Bit and chewing difficulty can ignite headaches and set off indigestion, especially if the teeth don't meet properly and food doesn't get fully chewed. Many people with misaligned teeth have so much trouble chewing that they avoid the crunchy or hard foods we all need for good health. Extreme erosion from age and wear at the back of the bite can make people look aged, as if they had no teeth! Of course, all of these conditions can spell trouble for dental health. It's a good thing that, thanks to modern dentistry, help is available. Even if you were born with a bad bite, you don't have to live with it.