Crowded Teeth: Causes, Treatment & Risks

What is Dental Crowding (Crowded Teeth)?

Dental crowding means your teeth don't have enough room to grow in perfectly straight, leading to overlapping and crookedness. This can also be called malocclusion, overcrowding, or crowded teeth.

Overcrowding can be mild, moderate, or severe. Your jaw size and how many teeth you have determines the severity.

• Mild Crowding — When one or two front teeth of the upper or lower jaw are slightly rotated
• Moderate Crowding — When two to three front teeth overlap in the upper or lower jaw
• Severe Crowding — When most back teeth in the upper or lower jaw overlap

What Causes Crowded Teeth?

Several factors can contribute to the development of crowded teeth. Someone could inherit larger teeth relative to jaw size or a smaller-than-average jawbone. These can both predispose someone to dental crowding.

Losing baby teeth prematurely can also cause overcrowding. The surrounding teeth may shift into the vacant space and disrupt the natural positioning of the incoming permanent tooth.

Alternatively, if baby teeth are not shed promptly, they can hinder the proper eruption of permanent teeth, leading to misalignment and crowding.

5 Ways to Fix Crowded Teeth

In most cases, crowded teeth get worse with age and can lead to more oral health complications. That’s why it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible.

The treatment you can get will depend on your age and the type of dental crowding you have. These are some of the options:

1. Braces

Dental braces are often the best way to bring order back to your smile. They work for kids and adults, guiding teeth into better alignment for a healthier and more confident grin.

They not only correct smiles but can also realign the jaws. There are a few different types of braces to choose from, including:

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

Braces require commitment, as they’re typically worn for 18 months to three years. Regular checkups with your orthodontist will keep your treatment on track.

The cost of braces can vary, ranging from $3,000 to $13,000 depending on the type and complexity of your case.

2. Invisalign 

Invisalign and other clear aligners are designed to make tiny shifts in your teeth until you have a straighter smile. Unlike braces, they're virtually invisible.

Every couple of weeks, you'll switch to a new set. Aligners need to be worn for about 22 hours a day for the best results.

Invisalign done through your dentist usually costs about the same as braces⁠—around $3,000 to $8,000. There are also less expensive direct-to-consumer aligner options, which are definitely worth checking out. You can read our review of the best teeth straightening kits.

Types of Clear Aligner Treatments

There are multiple types of clear aligner treatments. These include:

• In-office (like Invisalign) — You'll have regular checkups with your orthodontist.
• Hybrid models (like Candid) — These start with an in-person visit, and then checkups are done remotely.
• Fully remote (like AlignerCo) — Requires no in-person visits. You start with an at-home impression kit and your entire treatment is managed online.

3. Veneers

Dental veneers can be a cosmetic solution to teeth crowding in adults. Think of them as a beautiful cover that masks the crowding, giving your smile a straighter and more balanced appearance.

Each veneer is crafted to fit your teeth perfectly. A bit of enamel is removed, ensuring the veneers blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

Porcelain veneers are strong, stain-resistant, and mimic the look of natural teeth for a smile that shines. They cost around $900 to $2,500 per tooth, while composite resin veneers cost around $250 to $1,500.

It’s important to note that veneers are a cosmetic fix and not a substitute for orthodontic treatment. In more severe cases of overcrowding, they might be placed after orthodontic treatment.

4. Retainers

Retainers can help with very minor crowding, applying gentle pressure to prevent teeth from shifting back. For moderate to severe crowding, retainers won't do the trick. That's where braces and aligners come in.

Orthodontists emphasize that retainers are crucial for preserving the results of your orthodontic treatment, not for fixing complex misalignment issues.

5. Dentofacial Orthopedics

Sometimes, severe crowding needs more than just braces or aligners. That's where dentofacial orthopedics comes in.

It focuses on guiding facial bone growth and properly aligning teeth. Common orthopedic appliances include headgear and palatal expanders.

Dentofacial orthopedics is often most effective in younger patients whose bones are still growing.

Is it Possible to Fix Crowded Teeth at Home?

Sadly, you can't straighten crowded teeth with DIY methods at home. For safe and lasting results, you'll need the help of treatments like braces, clear aligners, or veneers.

If you choose clear aligners, you'll get a new set every few weeks. Even though most of the treatment is at home, you'll still have regular checkups with your orthodontist (either in person or online) to keep everything on track.

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 avoid crowded teeth by:

• Regular check-ups — 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.
• 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 easier to clean, brush, and floss between straight teeth, making it less likely for cavities and other oral infections to develop.

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

How to Maintain Oral Health With Crowded Teeth

Crowded teeth can be a pain, sometimes causing problems for your overall mouth health. The good news is there are easy things you can do to take good care of your smile

• Practice proper oral hygiene ⁠— Brushing and flossing daily ensures that you remove any plaque around and between crowded teeth. 
• Visit your dentist regularly — Regular dental checkups will help you and your dentist monitor any developing dental problems. 
• Consult an orthodontist — An orthodontist can assess the severity of your crowding and discuss treatment options.
• Avoid harmful habits — Limit sugary and starchy foods that contribute to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Discourage thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use, especially in children.