What is Overcrowding of the Teeth?
A typical adult mouth has 32 permanent teeth (28 plus four wisdom teeth) that usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. When the jaw is large enough, all teeth will fit properly into their correct location. However, if the jaw is small and the teeth are large or there are too many of them, overcrowding teeth can occur. The extra teeth may cause your other teeth to shift out of their proper positions and into overcrowded teeth positions.
Image Source: https://www.invisalign.com/treatable-cases/crowded-teeth
Why are Overcrowding Teeth a Problem?
Overcrowded teeth conditions make mouths more susceptible to dental problems. Overcrowding teeth makes it harder to brush and floss properly. As a result, you may run the risk of cavities and gum disease due to plaque build-up. Halitosis or bad breath may also result.
Many patients with this condition need braces to straighten their crooked teeth, not simply for cosmetic reasons but also to help keep their gums healthy and free from disease caused by overcrowding reducing the likelihood of decay and premature loss of teeth.
What Causes Overcrowding?
The most common cause of overcrowding is that the teeth are too large for the mouth. However, there are other reasons, from lack of space due to a small upper or lower jaw, thumb sucking, or tongue thrusting. Also, as we get older, our mouths get smaller.
How Can You Address Overcrowding Teeth?
Correction options are dependent on a diagnosis from your dentist. For many people with overcrowded teeth, treatment may consist of addressing overcrowding teeth through orthodontics such as Invisalign, which provides discreet correction. Conventional braces may also help address the issue.
Overcrowding teeth can also be addressed through arch expansion during a child’s growth spurt around the ages of 11-13 or in some cases by tooth extraction in order to create enough space for the remaining teeth to fit properly. This is usually done to aid in cosmetic appearance and may not be necessary. Your dentist will explain your options thoroughly and will work with you to help improve your overcrowded teeth condition, often working alongside one of our specialist referral practices here in Newcastle.
There are several types of braces available today, including traditional metal braces with wires and brackets that are bonded to your teeth and clear ceramic braces that blend in with your smile. Invisalign is a series of virtually invisible plastic trays that fit over your teeth. You will receive a new set of trays every two weeks as your teeth move into their new positions.
What Results Might You Expect After Treatment?
Treatment for overcrowding teeth may help achieve more symmetrical, aligned teeth that could potentially improve facial harmony. Aligned teeth may also help reduce the wear, strain, and deterioration of your teeth. Individual results vary significantly based on your unique circumstances, starting tooth position, and response to treatment.
Invisalign Treatment for Overcrowding Teeth
If you are concerned about overcrowded teeth, there are several orthodontic options available to you. Invisalign is a popular option for addressing overcrowding teeth, which many of our patients can use as a more discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces.
When considering treatment options for overcrowding teeth, The Good Dentist works with each patient individually to discuss potential treatment pathways and financial considerations. Once you have discussed your options and decided together on a suitable treatment approach you will be provided with detailed contracts, and a treatment overview and we continue to work closely with you monitoring and supporting your Invisalign journey.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The Invisalign timeline depends on the severity of your overcrowding teeth case. The more severe the overcrowded teeth condition, the longer it may take to straighten your teeth. Invisalign aligners are made specifically for each person’s case and are worn for 2 weeks at a time. They need to be replaced as your teeth shift and get closer to their final position (also known as their end alignment). Invisalign typically may help align teeth in 6-18 months, but this is different for each patient, depending on their initial overcrowding teeth severity.
The process typically involves several appointments: from your initial Clin-check consultation, where a virtual treatment plan session helps work around your schedule. After your initial attachment appointment, there are consecutive follow-ups on average every 8 weeks. Depending on the severity of the overcrowding teeth, Invisalign may take anywhere from 6 to 24 months to help align your teeth.
Individual outcomes vary significantly based on your unique circumstances and response to treatment.
Cost of Invisalign?
The total cost for Invisalign with The Good Dentist is $6,500. We have a detailed breakdown of our Invisalign process and we would be happy to discuss this with you further. You can also refer to our fees page.
Book Invisalign with The Good Dentist
The Good Dentist is an accredited Invisalign provider and we encourage you to contact us with any questions regarding overcrowding teeth or overcrowded teeth concerns. Our helpful team can provide information to help you make an informed decision about treatment options suitable for your individual overcrowding teeth circumstances.
Important: Orthodontic treatments for overcrowding teeth and overcrowded teeth are considered cosmetic procedures that require careful consideration. While generally safe when performed by qualified practitioners, treatment for overcrowding teeth may involve:
- Temporary discomfort during adjustment periods
- Tooth sensitivity during treatment
- Gum irritation from orthodontic appliances
- Need for extended treatment duration beyond initial estimates
- Potential for teeth to shift after treatment completion
- Risk of root resorption or damage in rare cases
- Possible need for tooth extraction to address severe overcrowded teeth
- Need for additional procedures to achieve desired results
Results can vary significantly between individuals and not all overcrowding teeth cases are suitable for all treatment options. Factors affecting outcomes include the severity of your overcrowded teeth condition, age, compliance with treatment instructions, bone density, jaw size, and individual biological response. Some patients may achieve significant improvement in their overcrowding teeth alignment while others may see more modest changes.
Complex cases may require specialist orthodontic care or extraction of teeth to create adequate space. Please discuss realistic expectations, potential risks, treatment duration, and maintenance requirements with our practitioners.