Crowded teeth
Crowded teeth occur when there isn’t enough space in your mouth for all your teeth. This causes your teeth to overlap each other, which is sometimes known as overcrowding.
Crowded teeth can vary in severity from mild, where one or two teeth overlap each other, to severe, where most of the teeth in your jaw overlap.
Can crowded teeth cause problems?
You may choose to have crowded teeth corrected because of the way they look. They can affect your confidence, particularly if the crowding is prominent. But they can also cause oral health problems.
Crowded teeth can be difficult to clean because of the way they overlap. If you can’t brush and floss between the gaps in your teeth, food can get stuck, causing a build-up of harmful bacteria called plaque. If this continues, it can cause tooth decay, gum disease and sometimes toothache.
Crowding generally gets worse as you age and causes more oral health complications as you get older. So, although it’s never too late to get your teeth straightened, it’s best to correct them as early as you can.
What causes crowded teeth?
Crowded teeth are common and can be caused by several factors including:
- Genetics: you can naturally be born with a jaw that’s too small for your teeth, or teeth that are too small for your jaw
- Permanent teeth not coming through correctly
- Losing a baby tooth too early, which can cause other teeth to move into the gap
How do I know if I have crowded teeth?
Your orthodontist will be able to advise you, but you may have crowded teeth if you:
- Can visibly see your teeth overlapping one another
- Struggle to floss between your teeth
- Have difficulty chewing
- Frequently bite your tongue or the inside of your cheek by mistake
How can you correct crowded teeth?
Orthodontic treatment is the only way to fix crowded teeth, so you should see an orthodontist if you’re interested in having them straightened.
Your orthodontist may discuss the following options with you:
Fixed metal braces: A type of fixed brace that uses brackets and a metal wire to straighten the teeth. They may be covered by the NHS for under 18s who qualify
Lingual braces: A type of fixed brace that’s attached behind your teeth. This means they’re near-invisible and they’re sometimes known as ‘hidden braces’
Invisalign treatment: A treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to move your teeth without the need for fixed braces. You can take them out to eat, drink or brush your teeth
What to expect
At your consultation, we will chat through your options and suitability for different teeth straightening treatments.
*Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
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Find out more
Do I need braces?
See more common orthodontic problems that may mean you want to consider braces.
Types of braces
Discover our teeth straightening treatments, from traditional fixed braces to removable and discreet options.
About Total Orthodontics
Find out why you should choose us for teeth straightening treatment.
Our orthodontists
*Terms and conditions:
1.Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2.Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
