Abnormal Eruption of Teeth: Braces, Surgery, or Wait It Out?

Abnormal eruptions happen when teeth grow out in the wrong place, at the wrong angle, or at the wrong time.

Teeth are supposed to come out in a specific order, at certain ages, and in the correct positions. But sometimes, a tooth doesn’t follow the normal path. It might erupt (or “break through” the gums) in a strange spot, come out sideways, or get stuck. 

This is called abnormal eruption, and it’s more common than you might think, especially in kids, but it also happens in adults.

What Is an Abnormal Eruption in Teeth?

Normally, teeth push through the gums in a predictable order. But when a tooth comes in at a wrong angle or place, it’s an abnormal eruption.

You are expecting a car to pull into the driveway. Instead, it drives onto the lawn. That’s what happens when a tooth erupts abnormally.

Some common examples:

• A permanent tooth comes out behind or in front of a baby tooth
• A molar comes in tilted and pushes against other teeth
• A tooth stays under the gums too long or never erupts at all

What Causes Abnormal Tooth Eruption?

There are many reasons a tooth may erupt abnormally:

1. Baby teeth that don’t fall out on time

If a baby tooth sticks around too long, it can block the adult tooth underneath. This can force the new tooth to erupt in the wrong place or not come in.

2. Crowding

Sometimes, there just isn’t enough space in the mouth. When the jaw is too small for all the teeth, new ones may come in at odd angles or push others out of the way.

3. Genetics

If your parents had issues like crooked or misplaced teeth, there’s a good chance you might too. Tooth position and jaw size often run in families.

4. Extra teeth

Some people develop extra teeth (this is called “supernumerary teeth”). These can block the normal path of a tooth trying to erupt.

5. Injuries

A hit to the mouth, especially when you’re young, can mess with how and where a tooth grows. Sometimes the root gets damaged, or the tooth gets knocked off its usual path.

6. Cysts or growths

In rare cases, a cyst or growth in the gum or bone can physically block a tooth from erupting the right way.

Do Abnormal Eruptions Need Braces?

Often, yes. If the abnormal eruption is causing teeth to shift, crowd, or misalign, braces or other orthodontic tools are usually needed to guide the teeth into their correct spots.

Some cases can be fixed with early intervention, like removing a baby tooth early. But if the tooth is out of place, braces or oral surgery might be the best option.

How Do Braces Help Fix Abnormal Eruption?

Braces use gentle pressure to move teeth into the right position over time. When a tooth erupts in the wrong place, braces can:

• Pull the tooth down (or up) into the correct spot
• Make room by shifting nearby teeth
• Align the bite so everything fits together well

Sometimes, orthodontists use special tools like spacers, expanders, or even temporary anchorage devices (TADs) to guide the tooth into place.

How Long Does It Take to Fix an Abnormal Eruption?

It depends. Every case is different. But here’s a general idea:

• Mild cases (like a slightly crooked tooth): 6–12 months
• Moderate cases (crowding or rotated teeth): 12–24 months
• Severe cases (impacted teeth needing surgery): 18–36 months

Early treatment often leads to faster results. That’s why seeing an orthodontist is essential as soon as you notice something is off.

Can It Be Fixed Without Braces?

In very mild cases, yes. For example:

• Removing a baby tooth early may help a permanent tooth erupt normally.
• Using a space maintainer can help guide a tooth.

But in most cases, especially where crowding or misalignment is involved, braces or aligners are the best solution.

What About Adults with Abnormal Tooth Eruption?

It’s not just kids. Many adults also deal with this, often because they didn’t get braces when they were younger, or because a wisdom tooth came in sideways.

Adult teeth are harder to move, and the bone is denser. But braces or clear aligners can still fix the problem. Sometimes, oral surgery is needed first to expose or reposition the tooth.

What Is the Cost of Braces for Abnormal Eruption?

Cost can vary based on where you live, the severity of the issue, and what braces you need. If you are in Arizona, read a detailed guide on the cost of braces in Arizona to help you plan your treatment. Here’s a rough estimate:

• Traditional braces: $3,000 to $7,000
• Clear aligners (like Invisalign): $4,000 to $8,000
• Surgical exposure (if needed): $500 to $2,000 extra

Insurance may cover part of it, especially for kids. Some orthodontic clinics offer payment plans.

At Palm Valley Orthodontics, you can book a consultation to get a clear idea of what treatment you need and to receive it. 

Can Abnormal Teeth Be Removed?

Yes, but it depends. If the tooth is:

• A wisdom tooth that’s erupting sideways is often removed.
• An extra tooth that’s blocking others can be taken out.
• A severely misaligned tooth that cannot be corrected might be removed and replaced later (with an implant or bridge).

But in most cases, dentists try to save and move the tooth, not remove it.

What Happens If You Don’t Fix It?

Problems can build up over time, like crooked teeth, bite issues, gum problems, and even jaw pain. That’s why it’s important to treat it early, especially in children. 

Getting braces early can help avoid these complications and unlock several long-term benefits of braces, both functionally and cosmetically.

Final Thoughts

Abnormal tooth eruptions aren’t something to panic about. They might look strange or uncomfortable, but they’re pretty common and fixable.

With the right treatment from a good orthodontist, most problems can be handled without much trouble. If you think you or your child might have an eruption issue, don’t wait. Early treatment can prevent bigger problems.

Schedule an appointment with Palm Valley Orthodontics today to get your teeth professionally removed. 

People Also Ask

Can abnormal tooth eruption fix itself over time?

In some mild cases, especially in young children, a tooth may eventually move into the right position. However, in most cases, professional treatment is needed to avoid long-term issues.

At what age do abnormal eruptions usually happen?

They often occur between ages 6 and 13, when baby teeth are falling out and adult teeth are coming in. However, they can also happen later, especially with wisdom teeth in late teens or early adulthood.

Is abnormal tooth eruption painful?

It can be. Some people feel pressure, gum pain, or discomfort when a tooth pushes through in the wrong spot. In severe cases, it may lead to jaw pain or headaches.

How do I know if my child has an abnormal eruption?

Look for signs like a tooth coming in behind a baby tooth, a baby tooth not falling out, visible crowding, or a tooth that seems stuck under the gum. A dentist or orthodontist can confirm it with an X-ray.