CrowdedTeeth

Crowded, crooked or ‘misaligned’ teeth are concerns for many children and adults.

Some people maybe unhappy at the appearance of their smile and would prefer to have them straightened.

About This Condition

Both your baby teeth and your adult teeth can grow in crooked, or become crooked over time.

This can largely be due to the space that is in your mouth. In most cases if a child’s baby teeth grow in a crowded position then it is likely that their adult teeth will also do the same.

Factors that contribute to crowding include:

Prolonged digit/dummy sucking habits – can affect both the baby and adult teeth
Jaw size – smaller or narrower jaws cannot accommodate large adult teeth
Early loss of teeth- when baby teeth are lost early due to dental decay then the space for the adult both to come through can be compromised leading to crowding
Large sized or extra teeth
Injury or trauma – an impact on the teeth or face can cause one or more teeth to shift out of place.

Crooked or misaligned teeth can cause problems both dentally and aesthetically, including:

Periodontal disease – difficulties in being able to clean the teeth properly can lead to gum disease
Tooth decay- crowded teeth are traps for plaque and this can lead to tooth decay
Speech problems – the way in which sounds are articulated can be disrupted by crowded teeth
Chewing and digestion – this can be affected when food is not chewed properly
Tooth wear – crowded teeth may not fit well together during function and this can lead to wear of the teeth
Self- esteem – a direct result of feeling unhappy with your appearance

If you need or wish to have your teeth straightened, then you need to see an orthodontist who is a specialist in brace treatment. They will be able to assess your concerns and advise on the best treatment plan for you.

Treatment options can include the wearing of removable or fixed braces for a specified period of time, improving your smile, dental health and functioning of the mouth.

“Never before have I actually looked forward to the dentist, however, elleven Dental provide such a calming, relaxed and professional environment and service, every visit is a true pleasure, which ends with brilliant results.”