Crowded Teeth: Causes, Treatment & Risks

What is Dental Crowding (Crowded Teeth)?

Crowded teeth happen when there is not enough space in the mouth for permanent teeth to grow in straight. This can also be called "overcrowding" or "dental crowding."

People with this form of malocclusion (misalignment) have crooked teeth that overlap each other.

Overcrowding can be mild, moderate, or severe. The patient’s jaw size and how many teeth they have determines the severity.

• Mild Crowding — when one anterior tooth in the upper or lower jaw is slightly rotated.
• Moderate Crowding — when two to three anterior teeth overlap in the upper or lower jaw.
• Severe Crowding — when most anterior teeth in the upper or lower jaw overlap. 

What Causes Crowded Teeth?

The cause of dental crowding can be due to a variety of factors, including:

• If teeth are larger than the jaw (genetics), the teeth do not fit correctly and tend to overlap or twist. 
• Some people are born with a smaller jaw (genetics), which can result in dental crowding as permanent teeth grow in.
• If you lose a primary tooth too early, other teeth can move into the empty space.
• If permanent teeth do not erupt properly due to over-retained baby teeth. This is when teeth loosen but then tighten back into the gums, preventing the eruption of permanent teeth. Not removing them commonly results in dental crowding.

Do Impacted Wisdom Teeth Cause Front Teeth Crowding?

An impacted tooth is when a tooth is stuck under the gums and blocked by other teeth.

Many people believe this can cause dental crowding. However, no research suggests that impacted wisdom teeth cause crowding.

The force from wisdom teeth is not strong enough to make the front teeth crooked. Over time, everyone's teeth become more crooked, whether they have wisdom teeth or not.

The only way to prevent misalignment after orthodontic treatment is to wear retainers to hold the teeth in place.

How to Fix Crowded Teeth

The type of treatment depends on the patient’s age and the type of dental crowding.

How Do Braces Work For Crowded Teeth?

Dental braces are the most common treatment option for overcrowding, especially in children. People get braces for both aesthetic and functional reasons (not only to correct smiles but also to realign the jaws).

There are a few different types of braces to choose from, including:

• Traditional metal braces
• Clear braces
• Ceramic braces
• Lingual braces

A patient visits their orthodontist every four to eight weeks until they remove the braces. They are left on for 18 months to three years.

Does Invisalign Work For Crowded Teeth?

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a type of orthodontic treatment that corrects crowded teeth and other forms of misalignment. They're a virtually invisible alternative to braces.

In-office treatment (Invisalign) costs about the same as braces.

Direct to consumer clear aligners cost less than Invisalign. Read our review of the best teeth straightening kits.

Treatment consists of a series of removable aligners, and you must replace them every two weeks. Patients wear the aligners for about 22 hours each day for about 20 weeks to correct your misalignment.

Types of Clear Aligner Treatments

There are multiple types of clear aligner treatments. These include

• In-office treatment, such as Invisalign, requires you to visit your orthodontist frequently.
• Hybrid models, such as Candid, require you to visit an orthodontist at the beginning of treatment, then your treatment is monitored remotely.
• Fully remote treatment, like Byte's, never requires you to visit an orthodontist. You order an impression kit online, and all of your treatment is done remotely.

Can Veneers Fix Crowded Teeth?

Dental veneers can be used to treat moderate cases of dental crowding in adults. They are thin, customized shells of tooth-colored materials that fit over the front of teeth to improve their appearance.

A dentist bonds the shells to your teeth to change the following in your teeth:

• Length
• Size
• Color
• Shape
• Function

Veneers are more expensive than braces and clear aligners but require fewer office visits. In more severe cases, veneers might be placed after orthodontic treatment.

Can a Retainer Fix Crowded Teeth?

Fixed and removable retainers provide the necessary pressure to move slightly crowded teeth. They can't straighten a patient's teeth (only braces and clear aligners can do this).

Orthodontists don't recommend using retainers to fix moderate to severe dental crowding.

Dentofacial Orthopedics For Teeth Crowding

Extreme dental crowding may require dentofacial orthopedics. Orthopedics focuses on guiding facial bone growth and aligning teeth properly in the process.

Common orthopedic appliances include headgear and palatal expanders.

Is it Possible to Fix Crowded Teeth at Home?

It's not possible to fix crowded teeth at home on your own. You must invest in treatment, such as braces, clear aligners, or veneers to fix your teeth safely and effectively.

If you decide to get clear aligners, you will receive a new set of aligners every few weeks. This treatment is completed at home, and you will visit your orthodontist (in-office or virtually) for regular check-ups throughout the treatment process.

Read how to straighten your teeth at home without braces.

How to Prevent Dental Crowding

While dental crowding usually results from genetic factors, it can still be prevented. You can prevent crowded teeth by:

• Regular check-ups — Regular visits to the dentist will help prevent dental crowding. Your dentist can identify early signs of crowding or misalignment and provide appropriate guidance.
• Avoid unusual pressure — Unusual pressure on the teeth (such as thumbsucking and pacifier use in babies) can result in dental crowding. It's best to avoid these prevent crowded teeth.
• Address dental trauma — If you or your child experiences dental trauma, seek immediate dental care. These injuries may result in crowded teeth if not addressed immediately.
• Retainers — People who have completed orthodontic treatment must wear their retainers to prevent their teeth from shifting and becoming crowded again.

Risk Factors of Untreated Dental Crowding

Ignoring dental crowding can invite multiple risks. Straight teeth do more than enhance your smile; they make it easier to maintain oral hygiene.

It's also easier to clean, brush, and floss between straight teeth, which leads to better oral hygiene. As such, straight teeth are less likely to develop cavities and other oral infections.

Here are some of the risks associated with moderate to severe teeth crowding:

• Increased risk of tooth decay and cavities
• Gum disease
• Jaw pain
• Difficulty speaking and eating
• Changes in facial appearance
• Increased risk of traumatic injury to the teeth or gums 

Crowded Teeth FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions about dental crowding: