• Crowded Teeth

CROWDED TEETH: ALL YOU SHOULD KNOW

Crowded teeth affect all age groups. These set of teeth are misaligned and can affect the appearance and oral health of an individual. Dentists always recommend that crowded teeth be corrected in children, as well as adults. At Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, London, we provide a wide range of corrective treatments for crowded teeth —for both adults and children such as Invisalign, veneers and other forms of dental braces.

This guide contains detailed information that you need to make an informed decision of fixing your crowded teeth. In this guide, you will learn about the causes of crowded teeth, the available treatments and other problems that might result from this condition. We will also address the frequently asked questions about crowded teeth.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF CROWDED TEETH?

The following factors can be regarded as the major causes of crowded teeth:

  • Cleft lip and Cleft palate
  • Underdeveloped jaw bone
  • Thumb & dummy sucking
  • Irregular sizes of the teeth
  • Getting older
  • Irregular growth of adult teeth
  • Growth of an extra tooth.

Although these issues are common in children, crowded teeth tend to worsen with age. As we age, our faces continuously change in shape, including the jaw. Our teeth are likely to move around, and if there is overcrowding, the teeth become crooked. This is a major reason why some adults want to fix their crowded bottom teeth.

You should know that the eruption of wisdom teeth does not cause overcrowding. Even the third molars are incapable of altering the position of the other teeth close to them.

DO CROWDED TEETH HAVE COMPLICATIONS?

Crowded teeth are known to lead to the following problems:

  • Gingivitis (Gum disease)
  • Increased tooth decay
  • Difficulties with speech articulations
  • Increased low self-esteem
  • Increasesthe build-up of bacteria and plaque due to the challenge faced with oral hygiene

To prevent these problems, it is best to seek treatment for the crowded teeth.

AVAILABLE TREATMENTS FOR CROWDED TEETH

There is a wide range of treatment options for correcting crowded teeth in both children and adults. The most suitable treatment options for you will be determined by how severe the overcrowding is and your budget.

Let’s examine the available treatment options for crowded teeth in children and adults, including their pros and cons.

Braces

Braces are usually the first option that people opt for. They are the most common treatment for crowded teeth, in fact, severe overcrowded teeth are treated with braces because of the effectiveness.

Fixed braces are ceramic or metal brackets that are fitted on the teeth and connected by metallic wire. These braces function by exerting pressure on the teeth while moving them slowly and gently. The primary benefit of the ceramic braces is that they are tooth-coloured and discreet.

Can Invisalign Fix Crowded Teeth?

Invisalign (invisible braces) can be used to fix crowded teeth. Invisalign involves the use of a set of clear aligners that are made of plastic. These aligners are changed every two weeks to move your teeth slowly, in small increments

The Invisalign Lite can re-align mildly crowded teeth within six to eight months.  The alignment of moderately crowded teeth can take up to 18 months.

The main reason why many people opt for these clear braces is because of its discreetness. People around you won’t know you are undergoing such treatment unless you inform them. Invisalign braces are effective in fixing about 90% of orthodontic cases. You will need to visit your orthodontist if you are considering the Invisalign treatment.

To find out if you are eligible for Invisalign, you can take a Smile Assessment test online.

Retainers

In some cases, crowded teeth can be fixed without braces. With retainers, mild overcrowding can be corrected. Your dentist can use a removable or fixed (lingual) retainer to correct your mildly crowded teeth.

THE PROS

The benefits of retainer treatment include the following:

  • Retainers are not as expensive as braces
  • Lingual retainers are discreet to some extent because they are fitted behind your teeth.
  • You don’t have to visit your dentist frequently.

If you are still wondering whether a retainer-only treatment can help fix your crowded teeth or child’s, you can contact us on 02071830755 to speak with our dental team.

Veneers

Veneers are suitable for moderately crowded teeth. You can’t have veneers if there is severe crookedness of the teeth. Veneers make your teeth appear straighter by simply covering the affected and crooked parts. They do not straighten the teeth. Even though they do a great job of concealing the affected areas, veneers do not solve the underlying problems that arise from crowded teeth.

Before the fitting of the veneers, your dentist will have to shave out some part of the enamel of your natural tooth and then apply porcelain or composite cover. Veneers are not suitable for children.

Crowns

This option is for adults who want to fix their crowded teeth. Crowns fitting involve the removal of the tooth structure. A metal or porcelain cap is then fitted over the top.

Crown fitting is not the best choice of treatment for crowded teeth. This is because it involves the removal of many healthy teeth. In fact, most dentists advise against this procedure if the primary aim for choosing it is purely cosmetic.

Summary of Corrective Treatment Options for Crowded Teeth

Here is a summary of the treatments for crowded teeth we’ve discussed in this guide:

Treatment Option Maintenance Time frame Results

Fixed metal braces

Proper cleaning and flossing

12 to 24 months

Long term.

A retainer must be worn afterwards.

Fixed Ceramic braces

Proper cleaning and flossing

12 to 24 months

Long term.

A retainer must be worn afterwards.

Retainers

Must be removed for daily cleaning

6 to 12 months

Long term.

Must be worn at nights after movement completion.

Invisalign

Must be removed for daily cleaning.

6 to 24 months

Long term.

A retainer must be worn afterwards.

Veneers

Normal oral hygiene routine

One or two visits to the dentist

Cosmetic fix.

It can last from 5 to 20 years

Crowns

Normal oral hygiene routine

One or two visits to the dentist

Significant loss of healthy teeth.

Should last between 5 to 15 years

Tooth extraction

None

One or two visits to the dentists.

Braces might be introduced.

Permanent tooth loss.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Q: Is tooth removal necessary for crowded teeth?

A: Tooth removal does not apply to everyone who has crowded teeth. If you are born with extra teeth (hyperdontia), you will need a tooth extraction. In some cases, dentists may remove natural teeth to make more room for movement with braces.

Tooth removal is not compulsory. You can request that your dentist should file your teeth instead.

Q: How do braces fix crowded teeth?

A: When bonded to your teeth, braces will exert pressure on them. The pressure will help pull your teeth to the right position. Invisalign braces also work similarly. The only difference between the conventional metal braces and Invisalign is the discreetness it offers.

Treatment of crowded teeth with braces will take up to 6-24 months, depending on the severity of the overcrowding.

Q: What is the time frame for Invisalign to fix crowded teeth?

A: Invisalign treatment is a quick treatment. Depending on the severity of the overcrowding, Invisalign can fix crowded teeth within 6 to 8 months.

Q: Which braces can be recommended for the treatment of overcrowding?

A: The type of braces you would use is dependent on the severity of the overcrowding, as well as your budget. If you don’t want people to know that you are wearing braces, Invisalign is the appropriate choice for you.

If you are considering your budget over appearance, then you should go for metal braces. Metal braces are also great choices for severely crowded teeth.

Alternatively, you can walk into our dental clinic in London or contact us on 02071830755 to find out the most appropriate braces for you.

Q:Can I fix crowded teeth at home?

A: You can't fix crowded teeth at home! Please visit a dentist and talk about the most appropriate treatment options for you.

You can bank on us at Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, London, to professionally fix your crowded teeth or your child’s. Visit our dental clinic in London, to enquire more.

Q: My bottom teeth are crowded,is it normal to feel pain?

A: Pain is not normal for crowded bottom teeth. When you feel pain, there is a high chance that it could be tooth decay. Please visit your dentist when you feel pain.

Q: What will my teeth look like after the correction?

A: In order to understand how your teeth would appear after the treatment, you can ask your dentist to show you before and after pictures of patients who had crowded teeth. Your dentist can also do a computer simulation to show you how your smile will appear after treatment.

These should give you an insight into how your teeth and smile would appear after the treatment.

Q: My bottom teeth are crowding after treatment with braces. Why?

A: Braces are not a permanent fix to any dental issue. For instance, if you had braces during your teenage years, your teeth can still become crowded as an adult — regard crowding of the teeth as a natural process.

If you notice overcrowding shortly after your braces treatment, you need to speak with your dentist. There might be need to adjust your retainers or provide further treatments.

CROWDED TEETH: Conclusion

Crowding of the teeth is natural as we age. If you want to restore your smile, braces, veneers and retainers are available treatment options for you.It is relatively easy to treat crowded teeth in children. Ensure your child wears the retainer after treatment to prevent reoccurrence.

If you choose not to correct your crowded teeth, you need to take extra care in performing proper oral hygiene. This will avoid the occurrence of tooth decay. You can get a water flosser to keep the irregular spaces between your teeth clean and free from plaques.

At Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, London, we provide effective treatments for crowded teeth in children and adults. Visit our dental clinic in London, to speak with one of our experienced dentists about the most appropriate treatment option for you or your child.

You can book an appointment with us by simply calling us on 02071830755. Let’s help restore your smile.