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Orthodontic Treatment for Crowded Teeth

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Last Reviewed 13 August 2024

Medically reviewed by Dr. Paul O'Connell, Bachelor Dent. Sc. (Trinity College Dublin) 2004, Practice Limited to Orthodontics

Table of Contents

Dr. Paul O'Connell Explains Orthodontic Consultations At 3Dental

Dr. Paul O'Connell Explains Orthodontic Consultations At 3Dental

Crowded teeth are a common dental issue when the mouth cannot accommodate all the teeth. The condition can be mild, moderate or severe, but treatment options are available.

Dr. Paul O'Connell

Booking a free consultation with 3Dental is the first step to treating your crowded teeth and enjoying a straighter smile!

crowded teeth testimonial - sean fitz - 3dental

Sean Fitz - 6 Month Braces Testimonial

crowded teeth testimonial - sean fitz - 3dental

Sean Fitz - 6 Month Braces Testimonial

What Are Crowded teeth?

When the jaw doesn't have enough space for your teeth, they can begin to overlap, causing mild to severe alignment issues.

While most people associate crowded teeth with aesthetic issues, it's also important to remember that they can also lead to oral health complications.

What Are The Symptoms Of Crowded teeth?

There are numerous symptoms associated with crowding, including:

SymptomDescription
Aesthetic IssuesMinor dental crowding can cause some noticeable effects, while severe teeth crowding might be more visible.
Hygiene DifficultiesWhen the teeth overlap, it can be harder to brush them properly and floss, resulting in poor oral hygiene.
Poor Self-EsteemStraight teeth are often associated with beauty, and crowding issues can lower a person's self-esteem.
Bite ProblemsIf you experience bite issues along with dental crowding, it can limit the foods you're able to eat.

Which Dental Treatments Fix Crowded Teeth?

invisalign explained - 3dental

Dr. Paul O'Connell, Dr. Peter Doherty & Dr. Niall Vallely Explain The Invisalign Treatment

- Invisalign
invisalign explained - 3dental

Dr. Paul O'Connell, Dr. Peter Doherty & Dr. Niall Vallely Explain The Invisalign Treatment

- Invisalign

There are two main treatments for dental crowding, with each offering benefits.

Your dentist will recommend which is best by assessing the severity of your condition.

  • Fixed braces: Fixed braces are a popular orthodontic treatment as they work quickly and provide optimal results. The main disadvantage of fixed braces is that many adults don't like wearing them. If your crowding issue is severe, we'll usually recommend braces.
  • Aligners: Aligners are transparent, making them ideal for adults. While aligners can work for serious crowding problems, we generally recommend fixed braces.

Interested In Treating Your Crowded Teeth?

We offer free, no-obligation consultations in our Dublin, Limerick and Galway clinics.

Book Your Free Consultation

What Causes Crowded Teeth?

There are many potential causes of crowded teeth. Let's take a look at the most common risk factors:

Risk FactorsDescription
Developmental ReasonsIf someone loses their baby teeth prematurely, other teeth can move into the space, causing crowding. Thumb sucking and overusing pacifiers can also be contributors.
GeneticsIf the teeth are too large for the jaw, or your jaw is naturally small, the teeth might not align correctly.
ExtractionsChildren with teeth extracted when they were younger could experience crowding when their permanent teeth come through.

Get The Smile You Deserve With 3Dental

We're specialists in fixing crowding and provide a range of orthodontic treatment options.

Whether you're interested in clear aligners or fixed braces, booking a free consultation with us means you can get the smile you deserve.

Get in touch with us today, and we'll help you achieve your smile goals!

Book Your Free Consultation With Our Orthodontic Team

Based in Dublin, Limerick and Galway - we offer free, no-obligation consultations :)

Book Your Free Consultation

Commonly Asked Questions

How do I know if I have crowded teeth?

Most people know they have crooked teeth because there are aesthetic issues. Some dental crowding cases are minor, but there are still visible signs.

You might also struggle to keep your teeth clean and experience tooth decay.

Can you fix crowded teeth without removing teeth?

We always try to treat dental crowding without performing any extractions.

In most cases, our orthodontic treatment options are effective in correcting overcrowded teeth.

If you have severe crowding, extractions might be necessary to make room in the mouth.

What are the effects of crowded teeth?

Permanent teeth crowding doesn't just impact your aesthetics; it can also cause numerous oral health and hygiene issues. Many people struggle to brush their teeth correctly due to the lack of room, and flossing is also challenging.

Over time, you might develop tooth decay and gum disease, which can compromise oral health.

How does 3Dental fix crowded teeth in adults?

When you book your appointment with 3Dental, a professional will assess the extent of your crowding and develop a treatment plan that offers the best results. 

Traditional metal braces are best for severe teeth crowding, but invisible aligners are also popular.

How much does crowded teeth treatment cost?

That depends on your chosen treatment and how long it takes to remove crowding issues.

We offer flexible payment plans that make it easier to afford your treatment.

Pay upfront or split the costs into convenient monthly instalments.

Here are the prices for orthodontic treatment options.

How long does it take to treat crowded teeth?

Again, it depends on your treatment plan and the extent of your crowding.

Some patients witness results in one year, while others might need two years.

Do teeth get more crowded with age?

In some cases, the teeth can crowd with age, usually in the 20s and onwards.

While your teeth might naturally crowd with age, seeking orthodontic treatment will straighten them.

Can I live with crowded teeth?

Yes, you can live with crowded teeth. They can cause issues with dental function and hygiene, but people mainly seek treatment to improve their aesthetics.

The complications associated with crowding can also lead to gum disease, so we always advise having treatment.

Can retainers fix crowded teeth?

Yes, they can—as long as the issue is minor. For example, when one or two teeth overlap or have misalignment issues, we can create a retainer that addresses the problem.

If you have treatment for severe cases of crowding, you might have traditional orthodontic treatment and retainers to keep the teeth in their new positions.

What do orthodontists do for crowded teeth?

We treat each patient based on their needs.

When you first book an appointment with 3Dental, your orthodontist will assess your jaw and teeth and recommend the best solution.

You'll receive ongoing support and regular checkups to ensure the braces are working.

Do crowded teeth always need braces?

Fixed braces and full aligners are the best solutions if one or more teeth have crowding to a moderate or severe degree.

If your issue is minor, we might be able to use aligner therapy, which can be more convenient. We always recommend solutions that will offer the best outcomes.

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