Crowded teeth are a common dental problem that occurs when there is not enough space in the mouth for all the teeth to sit in their correct positions. This can cause teeth to overlap, twist or become pushed out of line. Crowded teeth can affect children, teenagers and adults, but an orthodontist can assess the problem and recommend suitable treatment.
Bass Orthodontics are leading orthodontists in London for early intervention and braces for children. For any further questions, please email us at reception@bassorthodontics.com or call us on 020 7580 8780.
One of the most common is a lack of space in the jaw for all the teeth to fit comfortably and genetics can play a part. For example, a child may inherit a jaw that is relatively small compared with the size of their teeth. As adult teeth come through, they may overlap or appear twisted because there is not enough room.
Other causes can include the early or late loss of baby teeth, adult teeth erupting in unusual positions and changes in tooth position over time. Teeth can also gradually shift as people get older, sometimes leading to crowded teeth even if they previously had straight teeth.
An orthodontic assessment can help identify the cause and determine whether treatment would be beneficial.
Crowded teeth can affect more than the appearance of your smile. Depending on how severe the crowding is, it may also affect your oral health and the way your teeth function.
Common issues associated with crowded teeth include:
Not everyone with crowded teeth will experience these problems. However, an orthodontic assessment can help establish whether the crowding is likely to affect your dental health or benefit from treatment.
An orthodontist can assess the severity of crowded teeth and recommend treatment to create space and move teeth into better positions.
Treatment options may include:
The best option depends on your age, the amount of crowding, your bite and the health of your teeth and gums. Some cases can be treated with relatively simple methods, while more severe cases may require a more complex plan.
Bass Orthodontics offers early interventional treatment for children, as well as fixed ceramic braces and its own Clearline® aligner system. An assessment can help determine which treatment is appropriate for your needs.
Correcting crowded teeth can improve the alignment of your teeth and make your smile look more even. It may also offer practical benefits for your everyday oral health.
When teeth are better aligned, it can be easier to brush and floss between them, helping you remove plaque more effectively. This may reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum problems associated with difficult-to-clean areas.
Treatment may also improve the way your upper and lower teeth meet, depending on the original bite problem. Some people find that their teeth feel more comfortable when chewing after their bite has been corrected.
A straighter smile can also help some people feel more confident. However, the results and benefits depend on the individual case, and an orthodontist can explain what treatment is likely to achieve.
Crowded teeth can be assessed from around the age of 7, and some children may benefit from early orthodontic treatment while their teeth and jaws are still developing.
At this age, children usually have a mixture of baby teeth and adult teeth. An orthodontist can check whether there is enough space for the adult teeth to come through and whether the jaws are developing as expected.
Early treatment may help guide jaw growth or manage a lack of space in suitable cases. However, not every child needs treatment at 7, and some will be better suited to braces later, when more adult teeth have come through.
Teenagers and adults can also have crowded teeth corrected. The right treatment and timing depend on the severity of the crowding, the condition of the teeth and gums, and the individual's orthodontic needs.
Bass Orthodontics recommends an early orthodontic assessment from around age 7 to identify developing problems and plan treatment at the most suitable time. An assessment does not automatically mean braces are needed straight away.
If you are concerned about your child's crowded teeth, or your own teeth have become crowded over time, Bass Orthodontics can assess your smile and explain the options available.
