Why Some Kids’ Permanent Teeth Look Crooked at First (And When It’s Normal)
If your child’s permanent teeth are starting to come in and they look a little crooked, uneven, or crowded—you’re not alone. Many parents worry when those first “grown-up teeth” don’t look perfectly straight.
The truth is, a little crookedness in the early stages is extremely common. In many cases, it’s a normal part of development as your child transitions from baby teeth to permanent teeth.
Here’s why it happens and what parents should watch for.
Permanent Teeth Are Bigger Than Baby Teeth
One of the most common reasons new adult teeth look crooked is simple: they need more room.
Baby teeth are small and spaced closer together. Permanent teeth are wider, especially the front ones, so when they first erupt, they often:
Twist slightly
Overlap each other
Look uneven
Grow in at a slight angle
As your child’s jaw continues to grow, those teeth often shift into a straighter, more natural position.
Baby Teeth Fall Out in a Specific Order (and It Affects Alignment)
The sequence of losing baby teeth matters. If baby teeth fall out early or later than expected, it can shift how permanent teeth come in.
For example:
If a baby tooth falls out too early, neighboring teeth can drift into the space.
If a baby tooth falls out late, the permanent tooth may erupt behind it or twist to find room.
Pediatric dentists monitor this closely to make sure development stays on track.
Related Article: Why Baby Teeth Matter for Future Oral Health
“Shark Teeth” Are More Common Than You Think
Some parents notice permanent teeth coming in behind baby teeth before the baby tooth is fully loose. This is often called “shark teeth.”
While it can look concerning, it’s usually harmless. Once the baby tooth falls out, the permanent tooth often shifts forward into its correct place.
If the baby tooth isn’t loosening at all, that’s a good reason to schedule a quick checkup.
Crowding Can Improve as the Jaw Grows
Kids’ jaws continue to grow and widen throughout childhood. This growth creates more space for permanent teeth to settle into a better position.
What looks crowded at age 6 may look perfectly normal by age 8 or 9.
This natural change is one of the reasons pediatric dentists take growth and development into account before recommending orthodontic treatment.
When Crooked Teeth Are Not Considered Normal
Some situations do need attention from your pediatric dentist or an orthodontic evaluation. Contact us if you notice:
Teeth that remain severely rotated
Crowding that worsens instead of improving
Baby teeth not falling out when they should
Teeth blocking each other from erupting
A jaw that looks too small to fit all permanent teeth
Trouble chewing or biting correctly
These signs don’t always mean braces are needed right away—but they do mean your child should be evaluated.
When to Schedule an Orthodontic Check
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
At this age, kids usually have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which helps orthodontists spot concerns early—before they become bigger problems.
Early evaluation doesn’t always mean early treatment. Sometimes the best plan is simply to monitor growth.
The Bottom Line
A few crooked teeth at first are completely normal for many kids. As permanent teeth come in and jaws grow, things often improve on their own.
But if you’re unsure or something doesn’t look quite right, our team at All About Kids Pediatric Dentistry is here to help guide you through every stage of your child’s smile development.
Healthy growth starts with early, attentive care—so don’t hesitate to ask questions or schedule a visit if you’re concerned.