Dental crowding is one of the most common problems facing orthodontic patients today. Naturally occurring in 30-60% of the global population, dental crowding is a type of malocclusion (i.e. smile misalignment) that develops when your mouth doesn’t provide enough room for permanent teeth to grow in a straight manner. Without sufficient space, the teeth begin to rotate and overlap one another.
The causes of dental crowding are diverse and often include multiple factors, ranging from genetics to how a patient’s permanent teeth replaced their baby teeth. Dental crowding cases range in severity:
Mild
Only one anterior tooth (i.e. an incisor or canine tooth) is slightly rotated
Moderate
2-3 anterior teeth overlap one another
Severe
Most or all anterior teeth overlap one another
Although dental crowding is not considered a disease, severe crowding can compromise oral health and increase the likelihood of developing conditions like:
- Chronic jaw pain/temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
- Periodontal disease
- Tooth decay
Beyond the physical health implications, crowding teeth can damage your self-confidence and keep you from laughing, smiling, and feeling comfortable in social situations.
If you want to know how to fix crowding teeth, Beverly Hills Orthodontics has the answers you’re looking for.
How to Fix Crowding Teeth: Mild Cases
Invisalign is ideal for treating mild cases of dental crowding. This is particularly true if you seek the care of an orthodontist.
Approved by the FDA in 1998, Invisalign allows orthodontists to use clear aligners to effectuate tooth movement and reorient your smile. Each aligner is designed to move your teeth little by little over the course of one to two weeks or so. As you progress through treatment, the alignment of your teeth will gradually improve. By the time you finish treatment, your teeth will be perfectly straight and free from crowding.
Benefits of Invisalign:
- Uses transparent aligners that are barely noticeable to others
- Won’t cause gum irritation or soreness
- Doesn’t complicate oral care
- Doesn’t require dietary restrictions
How to Fix Crowding Teeth: Moderate Cases
In the past, Invisalign was only able to correct minor alignment problems. But advances in alignment technology have expanded the possibilities of Invisalign treatment and opened up opportunities to treat moderate crowding. Today, orthodontists can combine Invisalign with other orthodontic strategies to address even complex alignment issues.
If Invisalign is not the right treatment for you, fixed braces are an effective treatment option to fix moderate crowding problems.
How to Fix Crowding Teeth: Severe Cases
Most cases can be treated with Invisalign. Depending on the case, an orthodontist may offer clear aligners as part of a more extensive treatment plan which may include braces and other appliances. We call this “hybrid-treatment” where we do the majority of treatment with Invisalign and use auxiliary appliances for very efficient, specific movements often in conjunction with clear aligners.
Severe crowding issues are naturally complex to treat and require a heavily personalized approach. In many cases, an orthodontist can correct the alignment issues with fixed braces, although some cases will require additional methods. If you have severe crowding, a complimentary consultation with Beverly Hills Orthodontics will reveal which course of action will provide the best outcome.
Tired of Having Crowded Teeth? We’re Here to Help
Regardless of whether you have mild, moderate, or severe crowding, Beverly Hills Orthodontics can help you create a perfect smile. Since 2008, Dr. Monica Madan and the BHO team have been solving alignment problems with patient-friendly treatment options in a comfortable environment.
As an Invisalign Blue Diamond Top 1% Provider, Beverly Hills Orthodontics is one of the top Invisalign providers in the country. But our expertise goes far beyond Invisalign. With our advanced training and experience, we offer a full range of orthodontic services and tailor treatment to your unique needs. Together, we’ll unlock the potential of your smile.