Your teeth can do some pretty strange things.
A tooth can show up in a place you definitely didn’t expect. A gap can suddenly appear. One tooth can look longer than the others. You might notice a white spot, a little clicking in your jaw, or even a permanent tooth growing behind another.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Is that normal?”, you’re not alone.
As an orthodontic practice serving families throughout Greenwood, the Southside of Indianapolis, Center Grove, and Bargersville, we see all kinds of unique smiles and developing teeth. Some unusual-looking dental and orthodontic concerns are completely normal, while others may be signs that it’s time for an orthodontic evaluation.
And since October is the month for all things weird and spooky, we thought we’d take a look at some of the weirdest things that can happen to your teeth, and what they might mean.
1. A Tooth Starts Growing Behind Another Tooth
This is one parents notice fairly often, especially when their child’s permanent teeth are coming in.
Sometimes a permanent tooth doesn’t come in directly underneath the baby tooth it is replacing. Instead, it can erupt behind it, creating what looks like a second row of teeth.
This is often seen with the lower front teeth in children and can look a little alarming.
The good news? It doesn’t necessarily mean something is seriously wrong. An orthodontist can evaluate how the permanent teeth are developing and determine whether the baby tooth needs to come out or whether the permanent tooth is likely to move into a better position on its own.
2. A Tooth Looks Much Longer Than the Others
Have you ever looked at someone’s smile and noticed that one tooth seems noticeably longer?
There are several possible reasons for this.
Sometimes the surrounding gum tissue makes a tooth appear longer. In other cases, the tooth may have shifted or rotated, changing the way it appears in the smile.
Uneven wear can also make teeth look different from one another.
The appearance of your teeth isn’t always just about the teeth themselves. Your gums, bite, and the position of neighboring teeth all contribute to how your smile looks.
3. White Spots Appear on Your Teeth
White spots can be especially noticeable after braces are removed.
Sometimes these spots are simply natural variations in the enamel. In other cases, they can be associated with mineral loss or changes to the tooth surface.
This is one reason good oral hygiene is so important during orthodontic treatment. Plaque can collect around brackets, making it more difficult to keep certain areas clean.
If you notice new or unusual white spots on your teeth, your dentist or orthodontist can help determine what’s causing them.
4. Your Teeth Have a Gap That Wasn’t There Before
A new gap can be surprising! Especially if you’ve had straight teeth for years.
Teeth naturally move throughout our lives, and spaces can develop for a variety of reasons. Changes in the position of neighboring teeth, missing teeth, gum changes, or other factors can all play a role.
For patients who have completed orthodontic treatment, a new gap can also be a sign that it’s time to take another look at their retainer routine.
If your retainer suddenly feels different or doesn’t fit like it used to, don’t force it. Give your orthodontic office a call and let the team take a look.
5. A Tooth Is Rotated or “Twisted”
Sometimes a tooth is in the right general area but isn’t facing the right direction.
A tooth can rotate so that part of its surface faces outward, making it look noticeably different from the teeth next to it.
Rotated teeth can be caused by crowding or a lack of space as teeth develop. Depending on the situation, orthodontic treatment can help guide the tooth into a better position.
And sometimes, a tooth that looks “crooked” isn’t actually leaning, it may be rotated.
6. A Tooth Never Shows Up
Children lose baby teeth and wait for permanent teeth to appear. But what happens when one simply…doesn’t?
A permanent tooth can sometimes become impacted, meaning it is blocked from erupting normally.
This can happen for several reasons, including lack of space, the tooth developing in an unusual direction, or another tooth blocking its path.
Canines, the pointed teeth toward the front of your smile, are particularly important when it comes to monitoring eruption.
If a permanent tooth seems significantly delayed compared with the teeth around it, it’s worth having it evaluated.
7. Your Teeth Don’t Meet the Way You Expect
When you bite down, you might assume all of your teeth should come together evenly.
But different types of bites can cause teeth to meet in unusual ways.
For example, an open bite occurs when some teeth don’t come together when you close your mouth. A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside them.
These bite differences can sometimes affect chewing and tooth wear, in addition to the appearance of your smile.
8. Your Jaw Clicks or Pops
A clicking or popping sound from your jaw can definitely get your attention.
Jaw noises can happen for a variety of reasons, and not every click means there is a serious problem. However, if clicking or popping is accompanied by pain, difficulty opening or closing your mouth, or other symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk with your dentist or another appropriate healthcare professional.
Your orthodontist can also help determine whether your bite or tooth position may be contributing to what you’re experiencing and whether further evaluation is appropriate.
9. Your Teeth Look Different as You Get Older
Here’s something that surprises many people: your teeth aren’t necessarily going to look exactly the same throughout your entire life.
As we age, our teeth can naturally shift. They can also experience wear, changes in color, and other changes over time.
This is one reason orthodontic care isn’t just for children and teenagers. Adults can experience changes in their smiles too, and orthodontic treatment can sometimes help address those changes.
When Should You Have a “Weird” Tooth Checked?
The good news is that noticing something unusual doesn’t automatically mean there’s a problem.
But if you notice a sudden change in your teeth, a permanent tooth that isn’t erupting as expected, significant crowding, a new space, or a change in your bite, it’s worth bringing it up with your dental or orthodontic team.
Sometimes the strangest-looking things are completely normal. Other times, they can provide an early clue that something is developing beneath the surface.
When it comes to your smile, it’s better to ask than to wonder.
Your Smile Is Unique and That’s a Good Thing
No two smiles are exactly alike. Teeth come in different shapes and sizes, jaws develop differently, and everyone’s smile changes throughout their life.
So if you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Is that supposed to look like that?”, you’re definitely not alone.
Whether it’s a tooth growing behind another, an unexpected gap, a rotated tooth, or something else that caught your attention, an orthodontist can help you understand what’s happening and whether anything needs to be done.
If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Greenwood, the Southside of Indianapolis, Center Grove, or Bargersville, our team is here to help you understand your options and feel confident about your smile. We’re proud to serve local families and are excited to bring our orthodontic care to Bargersville and Center Grove with our upcoming new location.
Have a question about something unusual you’ve noticed in your smile or your child’s smile? Contact our orthodontic team to schedule an evaluation.
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