Crowded teeth is a condition where teeth that are too closely spaced can overlap, bunch and twist causing a variety of aesthetic and practical problems. Orthodontics are the most effective solution for dealing with crowded teeth and in today’s blog we will be looking at orthodontic treatments that are effective in dealing with crowded teeth.

Braces

Traditional braces are one of the most common methods of treating crowded teeth. Braces involve brackets that are bonded directly to the teeth and connected by wires that are designed to shift the teeth into better alignment. While braces are often seen as uncomfortable and unsightly they are the best option for treating moderate to severe cases of crowded teeth. There are also several types of braces available such as braces that are affixed to the back of the teeth rather than the front and braces with ceramic brackets instead of metal.

Clear Aligners

Treating crowded teeth with Clear Aligners involves making use of a series of clear plastic aligners that gradually shift the teeth into better alignment. They need to be worn for 20-22 hours a day and need to be removed when eating or drinking in order to achieve optimal results in a timely manner. Clear Aligners are an excellent solution for mild to moderate crowding and are popular due to their comfort, near invisibility, convenience and lack of dietary restrictions. Unfortunately, they are ineffective on serious cases of crowded teeth.

 Other Solutions

While braces and clear aligners are the most common orthodontic solutions for crowded teeth there are other options available. These can include expanders, space maintainers, head gear or other specialized orthodontic devices, though these are only utilized for severe cases. In the worst cases jaw surgery may be necessary in order to correct crowded teeth, though this is usually a last resort.

We hope we have been able to demonstrate to you the various orthodontic solutions for crowded teeth. If you have any questions about orthodontic treatment, please feel free to contact us.

The Hicks orthodontic practice has been around for over 40 years, with Bryan Hicks taking over for his father. Dr. Hicks works hard to give his patients extraordinary outcomes from their orthodontic treatment.

If you have any questions about this article or need to talk to someone in the office, give us a call at (604) 922-0111.