How Do You Treat Teeth Crowding?
Teeth crowding, also called dental crowding, means your teeth cannot grow straight in your mouth due to a lack of space. Crowded teeth lead to overlapping and crookedness, which can be mild, moderate, or severe. Causes include early or late loss of primary teeth, improper eruption of teeth, and uneven jaw and tooth size due to genetics.
Crowding teeth occurs at the following levels, based on jaw size and number of teeth:
- Mild cases are one or two front teeth of the upper or lower jaw slightly rotated.
- Moderate cases are two to three overlapped front teeth in the upper or lower jaw.
- Severe cases indicate that most teeth in the upper or lower jaw are significantly overlapped.
What Are the Causes of Crowded Teeth?
A number of factors can contribute to the development of crowded teeth, starting with genetics, which can play a significant role in the size of your jaw and the size and shape of your teeth. You may inherit larger teeth relative to the size of your jaw, a smaller-than-average jawbone, or an improper bite.
Crowded teeth can also result if you lose your baby teeth too early. Your nearby teeth may drift into the vacant space and interfere with the proper eruption and positioning of incoming permanent teeth. Or if your baby teeth remain in your mouth too long, they can hinder the proper eruption of permanent teeth, potentially causing misalignment and crowding of teeth.
Crowded teeth typically get worse as you age, and the problem can lead to additional oral health issues. It is important that you see your dentist and address crowded teeth as soon as possible. Treatment depends on your age and the specific crowding issue.
Braces: Five Common Treatment Options for Crowding Teeth
Dental braces are the best method for aligning teeth, for both children and adults. Designed to apply gradual, controlled pressure, braces help shift teeth into the proper position through small movements over time. Braces are most common for children between 10 and 14 years old, but people of all ages can achieve good results.
Treatment with braces includes five common options:
- Traditional metal braces, the most common and affordable type of braces, are stainless steel brackets and wires that are well-suited for complex or severe cases of crowding teeth.
- Ceramic braces are less noticeable than metal braces because they are colored to look like your teeth and blend with your smile. Ceramic braces are suitable for moderate to complex cases, but downsides include staining if not thoroughly cleaned, ceramic can be more fragile than metal, and ceramic is slightly more expensive.
- Self-ligating braces are held together with wire and clips instead of elastic ties, which can reduce friction and may shorten adjustment times, but they are more expensive than traditional metal braces. One benefit may be fewer office visits, but the length of treatment time is not reduced.
- Lingual braces are almost invisible because they are fitted on the backs of your teeth. Because they are customized, they are more expensive. Also, lingual braces can be difficult to keep clean and are not suitable for some cases.
- Clear aligners are nearly invisible braces. You can remove aligners to eat and brush your teeth; they are comfortable to wear for most patients, and the cost is only slightly higher than metal braces. Clear aligners are mostly suitable for mild to moderate cases. They must be worn for at least 20 hours a day, including during sleep.
For especially severe cases of crowding teeth, dentofacial orthopedics may be required. Orthopedic appliances such as headgear and palatal expanders are used to guide facial bone growth and properly align teeth. Such treatment methods are used most often for younger patients whose bones are still growing.
How Long Will I Need to Wear Braces?
Treatment using braces requires patience and commitment, as they are typically in place for 18 months to three years. But the significant upside is you will have a better smile, your crowded teeth will be healthier due to better alignment, and, depending on your case, realignment of your jaw will improve chewing and speaking. Regular visits to your orthodontist will help keep your treatment effective and on schedule.
Additional Treatment Options for Mild Cases
Veneers, or custom-made porcelain or plastic shells that fit over the front of teeth, can be a good cosmetic solution, but they are not to be used as a substitute if you need orthodontic treatment. A retainer can help with very minor crowding, but not for complex cases of crowded teeth.