How Do You Treat Teeth Crowding?

One of the most common dental issues faced by growing children and adults is tooth crowding. Technically called malocclusion and commonly referred to as overcrowded or crowded teeth, tooth crowding is when there is not enough space in the mouth for all of the teeth to be aligned properly. Fortunately, there are many effective treatment methods to help correct teeth crowding and avoid the long-term consequences.

Pre-treatment Consultation

If you have noticed that your teeth are starting to overlap, or your bite doesn’t feel right when you chew, you may have crowded teeth. Scheduling a consultation with your dental provider, or better yet, an orthodontist, will help you determine if treatment is needed and what the best option is for you. One of the first steps in treatment is determining how severe the crowding is. Teeth crowding can be mild, moderate, or severe:

1. *Mild Crowding* is when one or two front teeth of the upper or lower jaw are rotated.

2. *Moderate Crowding* is when two to three front teeth overlap in the upper or lower jaw.

3. *Severe Crowding* is when most teeth in the back of the upper or lower jaw overlap.

Treatment Options for Crowded Teeth

Teeth crowding tends to worsen with age and can eventually lead to more serious dental issues, which is why early identification and treatment are important. Here are some of the most popular treatment options for crowded teeth:

1. *Dental Braces*: Braces can be one of the most effective ways to correct overcrowded teeth. Typically worn for around 18 months to 3 years, braces can correct alignment issues for both kids and adults and can help align the jaw.

2. *Invisalign*: Invisalign is a clear, mouthguard-like appliance designed to make small adjustments to your teeth until the desired alignment is reached. Every few weeks, a new set of aligners is worn to gradually continue the adjustment. One of the key benefits of Invisalign is that it is nearly invisible, making the entire process less noticeable.

3. *Dental Veneers*: Veneers can be an effective solution to improve the appearance of crowded teeth, making the smile appear straighter and more balanced. Each veneer is custom-designed to fit your mouth perfectly, and veneers are durable and closely match the look of your natural teeth. Importantly, veneers are not a good solution for more severe overcrowding where alignment corrections are needed.

4. *Retainers:* For individuals with minor crowding, retainers can help by applying gentle pressure to prevent teeth from shifting. For moderate to severe crowding, retainers will not be as effective as braces or aligners.

5. *Dentofacial Orthopedics*: In more severe cases, more significant alignment treatment may be needed. Dentofacial orthopedics focuses on guiding the growth of facial bones and properly aligning teeth. Common orthopedic appliances such as headgear and palatal expanders are particularly effective for younger patients whose bones are still developing.

Once you have met with your provider and they have determined the severity of your crowding, they will work with you to help determine the best treatment option for you.

Related Article: Can Crowded Teeth Get Worse?