How to Fix Crowded Teeth
A common tooth-related issue that people experience today is dental crowding. This is a type of malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth) where the teeth overlap or twist around one another. It can make brushing your teeth quite difficult, and many people believe that crowded teeth look unappealing. Luckily, there are options available to fix crowded teeth.
What causes crowded teeth?
There are many reasons that you may develop crowded teeth. Some of these include:
- Teeth that are too large. The size of the teeth can vary from person to person, and sometimes, this means that the teeth grow too large for the jaw.
- A jawbone that is too small. Almost the opposite problem, you can develop a jawbone that is too small to accommodate a full set of teeth.
- Excessive tooth development. Some people can develop an unusual number of teeth. The condition is called Hyperdontia, and although rare, it can still cause dental crowding.
- Trauma. Injury to the jaw/jawbone can impact the growth of the teeth and cause them to misalign.
- Illness or birth defects. Conditions that affect the jawbone and mouth tissue can cause the teeth to become crooked. A few of these are Cleft Lip Palette, mouth tumours, as well as various ailments that cause you to breathe through the mouth instead of through the nose.
Is it bad to have crowded teeth?
Having crowded teeth is not necessarily a bad thing in and of itself. In fact, for many people, it is simply a cosmetic issue as they dislike the appearance of them. However, dental crowding can make it difficult to brush or floss correctly and this can cause a number of oral health issues such as tooth decay and gum disease.
It is therefore important to stick to a thorough oral health regime, and look at potential ways to fix crowded teeth so that the problem does not worsen over time.
Getting braces to fix crowded teeth
One option available is to use braces to fix dental crowding. We offer metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign here at The Dental House.
Metal braces are the most cost-effective option. They consist of small metal brackets that are fitted on to the front of your teeth and connected via a thin metal archwire. Elastic bands then apply pressure to the archwire in order to straighten your teeth.
Ceramic braces are more natural-looking than metal braces, and so some people choose this option for a more discreet look. They work in the exact same way as metal braces, however, and the difference is purely cosmetic.
Finally, we have Invisalign. These work by designing a series of clear aligners specifically for the shape of your teeth to move them little by little. Super discreet and flexible, Invisalign is great for those who want straight teeth but don’t want others to know they’re wearing braces.
What to expect when getting braces
One of our treatment co-ordinators will contact you to discuss your referral and arrange a consultant appointment with us at your earliest convenience.
The cost of your orthodontic consultation is £60 and your appointment will take approximately 1 hour. This will include:
- An initial welcome and chat with your personal treatment coordinator
- A 3D scan of your teeth and your bite
- Photographs of your face and teeth
- Any necessary x-rays of your teeth
- A full clinical assessment with the orthodontist
- Computer simulation of the changes you can expect to see from orthodontic treatment using the scan of your teeth
- Detailed discussion of the different types of braces, including pros and cons of each type of brace, the associated costs and payment options.
Following your appointment, please feel free to contact us at any time if you have any additional questions, would like any more information or if you wish to make another appointment to proceed with treatment. You can do this by phoning your treatment coordinator, sending us an email, or getting in contact through social media.
Enquire now!
To enquire about suitability for braces, contact our Treatment Coordinators at [email protected] or give us a call on 0151 228 3643.