If this development does not take place normally, either the protective enamel or the underlying dentin of the teeth may be weak or discolored. There are several possible causes, from inheritance to maternal infection. If the damage is serious, the teeth may need to be covered with protective artificial crowns. Teeth that are out of alignment can be straightened by orthodontia. The braces that do this are no longer needed after the teeth are straight.
Many children have either fewer or more than the normal number of teeth .
Sometimes the cause is hereditary, but often the cause is unknown. Often no treatment is needed unless the condition threatens to cause malocclusion. If necessary, extra teeth can be removed. The gaps caused by missing teeth can be filled with bridges of artificial teeth. Many children have individual teeth that are abnormally small.