NOT ENOUGH ROOM FOR PERMANENT TEETH

If your child has crowded teeth it means there won’t be enough space within the jaw for all of their teeth to develop properly.

It’s a condition that gets worse over time as the teeth can obstruct each other and become crooked.

Unfortunately, crowded teeth can be noticeable and may make your child feel self-conscious.

But this is not just an aesthetic problem.

Can overcrowding teeth be fixed?

Overcrowding can mean that children find it tricky to properly clean their teeth and gums, which can lead to tooth decay and, in some cases, gum disease.

In rare cases, it can even lead to tooth loss.

Children with crowded teeth can also find chewing difficult, which can wear down tooth enamel.

And because your child’s teeth are in the wrong position, it could mean their jaw may not develop properly.

Overcrowding could also cause problems with your child’s speech.

CROWDED TEETH SOLUTIONS

The good news is that, at Wytes, our specialist orthodontist has helped many children to solve their crowded teeth problem.

We can use braces and orthodontic treatments to give your child a more attractive smile and to help them to develop healthy teeth, bones and gums.

Parents often thank us for giving our young patients new confidence.

Malocclusion in Children

Along with problems including overbite and underbite, crowded teeth are often referred to as a type of “malocclusion”.

Malocclusion is often inherited with one study published by the US National Library of Medicinesuggesting that “hereditary factors” are responsible for “40% of the skeletal and dental variations resulting in a malocclusion”.

Dummy, thumb and finger sucking are among other causes.

FIXING OVERCROWDED TEETH

As part of crowded teeth treatment for your child, it’s often necessary to start by taking a tooth - or teeth - out. The teeth can then be aligned with braces. The spaces left by extraction are usually closed up during treatment.

But every patient is different and it’s not always necessary to remove teeth.

A specialist orthodontist will be able to help you to make the right decision for your child after a thorough examination.

What is the best way to fix crowded teeth?

Teeth straightening devices can often give great results for children who need crowded teeth treatment.

Fixed braces, made from metal or ceramic/porcelain brackets and wires, are the best option for many children.

Orthodontists usually recommend fixed braces for children and teens because their teeth are still growing and because all adult teeth must have “erupted” for patients to wear removable braces.

Treatment times vary depending on the specific treatment and the patient. Most patients will need to wear their braces for about two years while severe cases require longer treatment.