Crowding Teeth

Learn more about crooked teeth & how to fix.

The crowding of teeth and crooked teeth are common dental issues that can affect young adults, older adults, and children.

These “conditions” not only impact the appearance of a person’s smile but can also lead to oral health problems if left untreated.

Unfortunately, Dr.Dallam speaks with Augusta area residents all the time who don’t realize crowded teeth are more than just a cosmetic issue.

“Patients need to know that teeth too close together is a medical condition that affects your long-term oral and mental health.”

Augusta Orthodontics loves fixing misaligned teeth because they know it will improve the oral and mental health of their community.

Before deciding to get teeth-crowding braces, it is important to know the causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

We will also discuss the goals of Dr. Henry Dallam and Augusta Orthodontics in providing orthodontic care to patients, focusing on both adults and children.

What is Dental Crowding?

Teeth overcrowding refers to a condition where there is not enough space in a patient’s jaw for all their teeth to fit properly.

The lack of space causes teeth to overlap, twist, and become misaligned. Most people in Augusta refer to this as “crooked teeth”.

Overcrowding teeth is a common issue and can happen to both the upper and lower jaws.

Patients usually say, “My top and bottom teeth don’t line up”.

When untreated, this leads to difficulties in oral hygiene, tooth decay, gum disease, and even jaw problems. Additionally, not fixing crowded teeth results in symptoms of pain.

Crowding Teeth Symptoms:

Overlapping or twisted teeth: When looking in a mirror, you can see the teeth are visibly misaligned. Some are overlapping each other. These teeth are overly crowded.

Difficulty in cleaning: Severely crowded teeth make it challenging to clean between the teeth. As a result, plaque builds up and increases the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Uneven spacing: Uneven gaps or irregular spacing between teeth can also indicate dental crowding.

Jaw pain or discomfort: Additionally, misaligned teeth positions can cause jaw pain or discomfort, especially when biting or chewing.

Patients can experience one or all of these symptoms at the same time. Most commonly, patients begin feeling one symptom and then slowly start to feel the rest over time.

To avoid suffering from these conditions, it is good to understand their causes.

Crowding Types: Mild Crowding to Severe

They’ll have extreme dental crowding in one section of their mouth and only slight crowding elsewhere.

What people wonder is if they have a treatable case. They should know that with Augusta Ortho, the answer is absolutely yes!

Dental crowding corrected…that is their specialty.

Each patient is different and may require different techniques to fix their mouth.

Not all will have the option of an Invisalign smile, but that does not mean the crowding disadvantages they face cannot be corrected.

Mild Crowding: Teeth have only a slight overlap. Food is easily removed with brushing and flossing. Patients have no or little pain in the overlapped area of their mouth.

Minor crowding occurs when there is some limitation on the space for teeth to grow in, as in the image below.

Severe Crowding: Teeth are overlapped and on top of each other. Food is deeply lodged in between teeth and hard to remove from gums. Typically, the patient will have pain.

Major crowding occurs when there is little to no space on the jaw and gums for the teeth to grow in, as in the image below.

Oftentimes, patients wonder what causes this dental condition.

Teeth Crowding Causes:

Teeth crowding is very common. The National Institute of Health estimates that as many as 93% of children and adolescents have crowded teeth. Why is this so common?

Dr. Dallam says this can have several causes, including:

Genetics: Mild to severe teeth crowding is just inherited from your parents. Things like the size and shape of the jaw. This directly influences teeth alignment.

Jaw size and shape: A small or irregularly shaped jaw does not provide enough space for all the teeth, which results in crowded teeth.

Early loss of primary teeth: If baby teeth are lost too soon in childhood, then surrounding teeth shift position. This leads to permanent teeth coming in at the wrong position and even moving other teeth around.

Habits: Certain oral habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or prolonged pacifier use can affect the development of the jaw and the alignment of teeth. This causes the front teeth to push forward on the top and bottom.

Just like the symptoms, the causes of a crooked smile can happen together. Even if you have all these causes, we can still fix your teeth and give you a new smile.

How to fix crowding teeth: Treatment Options

Fortunately, Augusta Orthodontics fixes crowded teeth every day.

Dr. Dallam and his team use the most effective treatment options available to fix crook teeth that are all crowded together.

Our crowded teeth treatment is done using a personalized treatment plan. For this reason, each patient has a gentle, proper, and low-cost straightening of their teeth. Some common treatment options include:

Braces: Fixing crowded teeth with braces is preferred by Dr. Dallam. This is the strongest treatment option. Braces on crowded teeth use brackets and connected wires that gently and gradually align the teeth.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIFE WITH BRACES

Invisalign: Another great option for teeth crowding is Invisalign treatment. It uses a series of custom-made, clear, removable appliances that gradually move the teeth to the proper position.

Crowded Teeth Treatment with Braces:

Clear, metal, or ceramic braces are the most common treatment. These work by applying constant pressure to overlapping teeth. This comfortably straightens the teeth resulting in a beautiful new smile.

Traditional braces consist of brackets, wires, and bands. The brackets are attached to the teeth using bonding material. Then, the wires are threaded through them. Patients will see Dr. Dallam every few months for adjustments. Over time, the teeth gradually shifted into the proper position.

Augusta Orthodontic uses state-of-the-art techniques, equipment, and materials to provide comfortable, low-cost braces.

Patients can choose from various options like metal braces, clear braces, or ceramic braces. Ceramic and clear braces blend in with the natural tooth color, making them virtually invisible. Our patients can choose metal braces and bright rubber band colors that show their upcoming new smile.

See which braces options is right for you Types of Braces

Overcrowding Teeth Invisalign Treatment:

This option is not for everyone. Invisalign may not be a good option for severe tooth crowding. The best thing about Invisalign is it offers a discreet and convenient option. It is a great option for mild teeth crowding. Patients have no metal brackets and wires.

The patient will use a new appliance that slowly moves the teeth every few weeks. These are called removable aligners. Augusta Ortho custom-makes the aligners using advanced 3D imaging technology. These work just like Vivera retainers.

Each appliance is worn for about two weeks and gradually moves the teeth into their desired positions.

Invisalign aligners are basically invisible. People won’t even see you have it in. Patients will straighten their smiles with hardly any impact on their appearance.

They are removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. This makes oral hygiene easier compared to regular braces. Dr. Dallam provides detailed instructions about using Invisalign aligners.

Invisalign is an option available from Augusta Orthodontics. The best way to find out which option is best for you is with a free consultation right now!

Free Online Consultation: Start Today CLICK HERE

Patient FAQs about Crowded and Crooked Teeth

Will crowded teeth straighten on their own?

Crowding rarely corrects itself without intervention. Moreover, the condition worsens over time without proper care. This leads to oral and even mental health issues as a result of a compromised smile.

Is orthodontic treatment only for a child or young adult?

No, orthodontic treatment is beneficial for individuals of any age. Our practice’s advances in orthodontic technology have made treatment options more comfortable and discreet. In turn, they make them available and affordable to adults.

Can I fix my bottom teeth crowding only?

This is not recommended and not available to patients in Augusta. The top teeth need to be fixed at the same time so your bite lines up.

When is tooth extraction needed for patients requiring orthodontics?

This is rare, but teeth that are crowded so badly may need a tooth extraction. This is needed to create sufficient space for proper alignment, and it results in treatable cases. Augusta Orthodontics has a team of recommended tooth extraction experts for patients.

The choice to extract a tooth or multiple teeth is made after careful evaluation by an orthodontist. The extraction process allows the remaining teeth to align properly.

Can teeth crowding be prevented?

Your ancestry plays a significant role when it comes to teeth crowding. Of course, certain habits, such as avoiding thumb sucking and pacifier use after a certain age, can help reduce the risk of misalignment.

Getting an orthodontic check-up during childhood is effective at detecting early signs of crowding. This will allow your child to receive early orthodontics. This timely intervention can save significant time and money.

Does your child need early ortho treatment? LEARN MORE

What to Do about Crowding Teeth

Teeth crowding and crooked teeth have a significant impact on most people’s lives. Augusta residents are no exception. We see and help hundreds of patients in the Augusta area every month achieve the smile they always wanted.

Straightening crowded teeth is our specialty for children, young adults, and older adults.

Whether through traditional braces or Invisalign aligners, orthodontic crowding treatments help align teeth, improve oral hygiene, and enhance the overall well-being of our patients. Seeking early intervention and discussing treatment options with us ensures a confident smile and long-term dental health for those affected by teeth crowding and crooked teeth.