It is advised to seek an initial orthodontic assessment for crowded teeth between the ages of 6 to 10. By this age, children have a mix of baby and adult teeth, giving Dr. Emma an idea of how the permanent teeth are developing.
Crowded Teeth Treatment for Kids
What is teeth crowding and what causes it?
Teeth crowding occurs when there is insufficient space in the jaw for the adult teeth to come through aligned. This lack of space causes the teeth to overlap, twist or generally appear crooked.
There are many potential causes of overcrowded teeth:
- Mismatched size of jaw and teeth
- Thumb sucking or dummy use
- Tongue position
- Jaw development
Why is it important to treat overcrowded teeth?
It’s It is advisable to seek treatment for crowded teeth to avoid long-term damage and difficulties, including:
- Tooth decay and gum disease
- Enamel wear
- Difficulty chewing
- Speech challenges
How can you treat front teeth crowding?
Treatment often involves widening the top jaw to create more bone and space for the alignment of the teeth.
- An expansion plate is fitted to the upper back teeth; this widens the jaw to create more space to align the teeth.
- Braces are placed across the upper six front teeth to correct the alignment of the teeth.
At the end of the treatment, an upper removable retainer plate will be issued to maintain the corrected position of the teeth.
Book your child’s crowded teeth consultation
Dr. Emma will assess the best course of treatment for your child, guiding you through every stage with clarity, care and individual solutions.
Crowded Teeth Examples
EXPANSION PLATE
Often the treatment involves widening the top jaw to create more bone and space for the alignment of the teeth.
This is usually carried out using an expansion plate bonded to the upper back teeth and braces placed across the upper six front teeth.
FAQs
It is unlikely that crowded teeth will fix themselves naturally. To prevent long-term damage, an orthodontic assessment and treatment is advised.
There may be some initial discomfort when starting treatment – while your mouth adjusts to the braces. This slight soreness should ease within a few days.
Treatment time for crowded teeth varies based on individual cases, but generally ranges from 12 to 15 months. Dr. Emma can provide a personalised estimate after your initial assessment.