Are overlapping front teeth making you self-conscious about smiling openly? Do gaps between back molars prevent effective chewing? This guide covers resolving crowded teeth in the UK – from underlying causes to modern orthodontic solutions.
Crowded teeth occur when the overall size of teeth exceeds available space in the jaw’s dental arch causing flaring, rotations or overlap. Mild cases may only involve one or two errant teeth while severe crowding significantly disrupts alignment.
Noticeable signs of crowded, crooked or overlapping teeth include:
Increased tooth decay and gum disease susceptibility
Chronic irritation inside cheeks causing sores and inflammation
Speech impediments requiring speech therapy exercises
Difficulty properly brushing and flossing tightly packed teeth
Jaw joint discomfort or painful TMJ flare ups
Genetic causes often drive crowded teeth arising from combinations of:
Inherited small jaw sizes providing inadequate space to accommodate naturally developing adult teeth
Late arrivals of wisdom teeth further limit eruptive room
Over-retention of surplus baby teeth blocking successors
Accessory extra tooth buds above the standard count of 32
Additionally, some childhood mouth breathing patterns can restrict maxilla growth altering available tooth positioning space over the long term. Consulting an orthodontist determines exact causation through diagnostic records examination including panoramic x-rays, plaster models, intraoral scanning and genetic or allergy testing.
Mild-Moderate Crowding Treatment Options
Filing slenderizing oversized teeth for subtle increased space
Layering tooth-coloured material onto misshapen teeth reshaping edges
Selectively removing minuscule enamel portions using high-speed air abrasion
Filling excess spacing with crowns, bridges, implants, dentures
Removing compromised non-restorable damaged teeth maintains oral health
Wearing external appliances applies pressure encouraging jaw development
Devices slowly widen upper dental arches over time alleviating overlap
Metal or ceramic brackets incrementally shift teeth alignment progressing each visit
Newer option using a series of thin, custom plastic trays to progressively guide teeth into alignment without highly visible hardware
Removing lingering excess baby teeth allows adult teeth to erupt into newly freed space
Beginning earlier in childhood redirects emerging eruptive paths into expanded space through growth guidance
Reconstructing gum ridges or finely repositioning jaws surgically enlarges room for corrected teeth arch alignment
Approximate private dentistry fees for common solutions in the UK span:
Routine Fillings – £50 - £100 per tooth
Cosmetic Contouring – £150 - £500 per tooth
Inman or SPR Aligners – £1800 - £3000 per arch
Six Month Smiles® Braces – £2000 - £3500 per arch
Ceramic Braces – £2500 - £5500 per arch
Lingual “Hidden” Braces – £4000 - £7000 per arch
Clear Correct Aligners – £4000 - £6500 per case
Invisalign® Aligners – £4000 - £7000 per case
Orthognathic Jaw Surgery – £10,000 - £20,000 per surgery
A multitude of therapeutic regimen alternatives elegantly facilitate the disbursement of expenses on a monthly basis throughout the prescribed duration of treatment courses. Initiating orthodontic care at an earlier stage in life, rather than postponing the commencement of such interventions until the achievement of academic graduation ceremonies or professional milestones, frequently results in a significant reduction in the necessity for more extended, and thus potentially more costly, treatments in the future. It is advisable to consult with esteemed orthodontic specialists for bespoke assessments and tailored financial advisement, particularly catered to the distinct severity of your malocclusion.
Left untreated, moderate-severe crowding worsens over time escalating tooth destruction and jaw damage. But by understanding causation and today’s wide array of orthodontic solutions, a confident smile and healthy bite alignment awaits! Consider a proactive evaluation now to protect lifelong oral health.
020 7229 4627
07885532883
Book Online