Teeth crowding and how to fix crowded teeth

If you have crowded teeth, you’re not alone. In fact, teeth crowding is one of the most common orthodontic problems adults faces, affecting around 24% of women and 14% of men. The great news is that with teeth straightening treatment such as the SPARK® system, you could avoid overcrowded teeth complications and move forward in life with a better smile.

What is teeth crowding?

Teeth crowding is the general term used to describe teeth that are packed too tightly in the jaw. When teeth run out of space, they start pressing together and shifting in front of and behind one another, resulting in crooked or overlapping teeth. In dentistry, teeth crowding is a type of malocclusion, which means your teeth and jaw aren’t aligned when you close your mouth.

Teeth crowding causes

Teeth crowding happens when your jaw is too small or narrow for your teeth or your teeth are too big to fit available space. Genetic factors are among the most frequent crowded teeth causes. However, crowded teeth can also be caused by:

  • Baby teeth falling out too early or too late

  • The improper eruption of a tooth or teeth

  • Having extra teeth

  • Past poorly-fitted dental crowns

  • A tumor, cleft lip or palate

  • Use of a pacifier after the age of three

  • Prolonged use of a bottle in early childhood

  • Extended childhood thumb sucking

  • Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders

Crowded teeth symptoms and complications

Teeth crowding symptoms and complications extend beyond aesthetics. Left untreated, the misalignment caused by crowded teeth can lead to more serious dental and health issues. Look at the top eight reasons why fixing teeth crowding is important to your health and wellbeing.

Top eight reasons why fixing crowded teeth is important

  • Realigning your teeth and jaw reduces overcrowded teeth pain while chewing.

  • Teeth crowding treatment such as the SPARK system may help restore confidence in your smile due to straighter teeth.

  • Overcrowded teeth can rub each other, causing premature wear and tear.

  • Misalignment of the teeth may cause jaw muscle stress, leading to neck and shoulder pain.

  • Straightening crowded teeth makes cleaning your teeth easier, which can reduce the chances of tooth decay.

  • When teeth overcrowding results in crooked or overlapping teeth, it’s easier for food and bacteria to get trapped between them, which can lead to gum disease.

  • In severe cases, overcrowded teeth can cause TMJ disorders with tenderness of the jaw and more serious overcrowded teeth pain.

  • Early crowded teeth treatment may reduce the need for major intervention later.

Common teeth crowding cases

Teeth crowding is a problem faced by children and adults alike. The most common types of crowded teeth include:

  • Mild or moderate teeth crowding

    • Slight rotation or misalignment of a tooth or teeth.

  • Front teeth crowding

    • Visibly overlapping or crooked front teeth crowding on the upper or lower jaw.

  • Single tooth crowding

    • A single crooked or overlapping tooth caused by baby teeth falling out too early or too late.

  • Severe overcrowding teeth

    • More severe lack of space within the dental arches which can lead to abnormal bite patterns.

  • Bottom teeth crowding

    • Visibly overlapping or crooked bottom front teeth or premolar crowding.

Available teeth crowding treatment options

  • SPARK® aligners

  • Traditional braces

    • Metal or ceramic brackets and wire fixed to upper and lower teeth can be used for fixing crowded teeth.

  • A custom-made wire or clear plastic device can realign crowded teeth in some cases.

    • In extreme crowded teeth cases, your doctor may need to create extra space using palatal expansion or tooth extraction. More often than not, teeth removal happens in conjunction with a teeth straightening treatment such as SPARK aligners.

Can SPARK aligners fix teeth crowding?

SPARK treatment could be one of the top ways to fix overcrowded teeth, depending on your case. Start by finding an experienced SPARK doctor near you and discuss what’s causing your crowded teeth and whether you need tooth extraction before the SPARK treatment process begins.

So, how does SPARK treatment work for crowded teeth?

SPARK treatment works by using a series of clear, removable plastic aligners that fit over the teeth. The aligners are customized and changed approximately every two weeks to move teeth into the desired position. SPARK aligners have many advantages compared to traditional braces, and you can enjoy benefits such as:

  • Virtually clear aligners without the look of metal brackets and wires.

  • An indication of treatment time using your individually-mapped digital treatment plan.

  • A similar treatment cost to braces at some practices.

  • The freedom to remove your aligners and eat and drink your favorite foods without restrictions.

  • The results you want with less pain than traditional braces

  • Fewer doctor visits compared to braces.

Three easy steps to start fixing your crowded teeth

  1. Take the SPARK® Smile Quiz to see if you’re a good candidate for SPARK treatment.

  2. Find an SPARK doctor near you using our easy search tool and request an appointment with our SPARK Smile Concierge team.

  3. Begin the SPARK treatment process with the world’s most advanced clear aligners .7

Why Our Patients Love Us

Quality dental services with great staff! Dr. Habeeb is very thorough and caring, he will go above and beyond to serve his patients. I rarely write a review and do it only for the best. I recommended Dr. Habeeb to my family and would highly recommend him to anyone who wants to have the best dental experience.

I went as a new patient; I really like Dr Habeeb; he was very thorough, took the time to explain everything going on with my teeth in layman’s terms. His staff was very friendly. I’m happy to find a new dental home. I highly recommend Dr Habeeb.

Dr.Habeeb is a very outgoing, friendly and great doctor. I came in to see if I needed to get SPARK and he talked with me about the process and pricing of it all. He was very thorough and straightforward with the treatment, I highly recommend this office to everyone in the area looking for a new dentist!

Radix Dentistry, led by Dr. Habeeb and his exceptional team, provides outstanding dental care. Dr. Habeeb’s expertise and thoroughness are evident in every visit. The state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology at Radix Dentistry enhance the overall experience. The friendly and knowledgeable staff create a welcoming environment. Cleanliness and hygiene are prioritized for a safe visit. I highly recommend Radix Dentistry for top-notch dental care. Thank you, Dr. Habeeb and team, for the exceptional service!

Dr Habeeb w/ Radix Dentistry is amazing and informative. Very calm and patient. I learned things from him that no other dentist ever spent time to tell or show me. Wonderful experience with Radix and I am So happy to have found them!!!

Very friendly and professional staff, Dr.Habeeb is a great doctor. When you come here you will be in great hands!

10/10 recommend I took my mom in for a root canal and after she got nervous and frightened he was very understanding and kind enough to let her take a brake

Very professional, kind and understanding staff. Very high tech and clean facility as well

It was a good experience with great dental advise and surrounding.

Fantastic! From the front desk to the dentist everyone was so helpful and accommodating. Answered my million questions. Very impressed

My good friend wife is a dental hygienist, and I asked for a referral. I assume my buddies wife would know who is a great dentist, considering she works in the field. The doctor is very passionate about his work. I had overall a great experience.

Shoutout to all the staff at Radix! They took care of me and made sure to answer every question I had! Their team is experienced and punctual. Their facility is super modern, clean, and tasteful too! A great choice if you’re looking for a dentist

Our Doctors’ Affiliations