What term describes teeth that do not align properly?

The term that describes teeth that do not align properly is malocclusion. This condition can result from various factors, including genetic predisposition, thumb-sucking during childhood, or accidents that impact the jaw and teeth alignment. Malocclusion can lead to issues such as difficulty in chewing, jaw pain, and increased risk of dental problems, because misaligned teeth can create areas that are harder to clean, making cavities more likely.

Bruxism refers to the grinding or clenching of teeth, which can occur regardless of alignment but is not specifically related to how teeth are positioned. Edentulous describes a condition in which a person has lost all their teeth, which does not pertain to alignment but rather to the absence of teeth. Hyperdontia involves having extra teeth beyond the normal dental count and does not directly relate to how well the existing teeth are aligned. Thus, malocclusion is the most accurate term for improper teeth alignment.