Premature loss of primary teeth: Primary teeth maintain the space for the permanent teeth that will erupt beneath them. When primary teeth are lost prematurely, the backward teeth may shift forward, causing the loss of space for the permanent teeth, which can lead to crowding or impaction. In addition, the positions of already erupted permanent teeth may also be affected.

Harmful habits: Habits such as thumb sucking, lip biting or sucking, prolonged use of bottles or pacifiers, nail biting, or biting objects like pencils can apply unwanted pressure on the teeth, leading to serious orthodontic problems. With early diagnosis and intervention, these issues can be treated easily before they become severe.

Airway problems: When there are obstructions in the airways that hinder breathing, children may breathe through their mouth to get enough air. Over time, this can hinder proper development of the jawbones and cause dental misalignments. In such cases, the orthodontist and an ENT specialist may need to work together. Some of these airway obstructions include tonsillitis, polyps, and adenoid vegetations.

Genetic factors: Most orthodontic problems are hereditary, meaning they are passed down from parents or other relatives. Skeletal orthodontic issues, in particular, often have genetic origins.

Nutritional disorders: In individuals with inadequate nutrition, the jaw and facial structures may not develop sufficiently. As a result, teeth of normal size may not find the space they need, leading to crowding or even impaction.

Misalignments can also occur during the eruption of wisdom teeth or as a result of the extraction of permanent teeth.