Are you unhappy with your smile because of your crowded teeth? What is teeth crowding, and how do you fix overcrowded teeth? Is it worth fixing overcrowded teeth in adults? 

Crowded or crooked teeth can impact your physical health as well as your self-esteem. Orthodontic treatment can help!

Petrous Orthodontics knows how fixing crooked teeth can improve oral and overall health. We’ve also seen how straight teeth can improve a patient’s self-confidence. That’s why we encourage treatment with braces or clear aligners at any age, even for adults!

What Causes Teeth Crowding?

Teeth crowding, sometimes called crooked teeth, occurs when teeth don’t erupt properly and come in turned sideways or out of place. In cases of extreme crowding teeth, the teeth will end up fully sideways or will erupt above or below the gum line. 

What causes crowded teeth? It can happen for several reasons. Often, teeth are crowded because the jaw is too small to have enough room for all the teeth to come in straight. 

It can also happen if a baby tooth falls out early, giving the other teeth time to move into the space. Then, when the permanent tooth erupts, it has no room to come in straight. 

The opposite can also cause dental crowding. A baby tooth that doesn’t fall out on time can force the permanent teeth to erupt above, below, behind, or in front of the baby tooth. Then, the baby tooth falls out, leaving an awkward gap where the permanent tooth should be. 

Finally, certain bad habits can cause teeth to become crooked. Tongue thrusts, pacifier use, or thumb sucking can move teeth out of place. These habits should be addressed early before damage your smile.

Why Fix Tooth Crowding?

Someone with severe crowding teeth may be motivated to fix them because they don’t like the look of their smile. That may not be the case for something with a mild crowding of teeth, such as only upper or bottom teeth crowding. 

Should you fix your crowded teeth with braces? Can you fix overcrowding teeth with Invisalign? The answer to both of these questions is yes! You have several treatment options available.

Crowded teeth are often harder to keep clean because normal brushing and flossing may not cover every surface as they would with straight teeth. This can lead to a better chance of tooth decay and periodontal disease. 

Crooked teeth can also make it harder to bite and chew properly. This can affect your digestion since this process begins in the mouth, with the teeth and saliva breaking down the food before it gets to the stomach. 

Crooked teeth can also affect the airflow through your mouth and nose, leading to snoring and even sleep apnea. This can negatively affect your overall health. It can also lead to mouth breathing, which causes bad breath and dry mouth. 

We’ve also found that people with crooked teeth lack confidence in their smiles. We’ve even had patients who would try to hide their smiles. Your smile is your best first impression, so having a great smile can improve your self-confidence. 

Fixing crowded teeth with braces or Invisalign can improve your oral, mental, and overall health. It’s beneficial to fix crooked teeth, even as an adult. 

Preparing for Invisalign or Braces With Crowded Teeth

How do you fix tooth overcrowding? Braces are the most tried-and-true method, but today’s clear aligners can fix crooked teeth in all but the most severe cases. In some cases, we have to use other orthodontic appliances to prepare for braces or clear aligners. 

Patients with undersized jaws may need a palate expander to make room for all of the permanent teeth. This device attaches to your back molars and has a metal piece in the center with a hole in it. A special key is inserted into that hole each day and turned, increasing pressure on the teeth and slowly widening the jaw. 

The palate expander is worn about 6-12 months prior to braces or clear aligners. Once the jaw is wide enough for all permanent teeth, the palate expander is removed, and the patient is ready for braces or Invisalign. 

Will you need tooth extractions? We try not to extract teeth unless absolutely necessary. Extraction may be necessary if a palate expander doesn’t provide enough room. Usually, though, we can make it work without extractions.

Crowded Teeth Braces or Invisalign

Braces use gentle pressure to move your teeth to the correct positions. This includes straightening your teeth. Braces are common for children and teenagers, but adults can wear them, too! 

You can wear braces with crowded teeth, but you can also use Invisalign to fix teeth crowding. The clear aligners are customized to your teeth and jaws and will straighten your teeth in a matter of months. Today’s Invisalign trays can work with all but the most severe dental crowding cases for both children and adult teeth. 

During your first visit to Petrous Orthodontics, we will conduct a thorough examination. This will allow us to complete our treatment planning and recommend whether braces or clear aligners are best for you. 

Straightening Crooked Teeth in Royal Oak, MI

Crooked teeth can make your smile look less than its best, but they also can affect your oral and overall health. Straight teeth are easier to clean and provide an extra boost of self-confidence. 

Whether you are a child with still-developing jaws or someone who feels ready for fixing overcrowding teeth in adults, Petrous Orthodontics is ready to help you. Schedule an appointment to see what we can do to straighten your crooked teeth and give you a smile you’ll be proud to show off!