Short answer: For crowded teeth in adults, orthodontic methods such as clear aligners or fixed braces are mostly discussed. Which option is suitable is determined at the examination according to the amount of crowding, gum and bone health, jaw structure and your expectations. There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment; the main criterion is whether your oral health is suitable.
What causes crowding in adults?
- A mismatch between jaw size and tooth size
- Developmental factors such as early loss of baby teeth or loss of space
- Stopping retention after earlier orthodontic treatment
- Neighbouring teeth drifting after tooth loss
- Habits, for example tongue thrusting or clenching
Many people also notice that crowding can increase over the years. For childhood causes, you can look at our article on baby tooth decay and loss of space.
Is crowding only an aesthetic matter?
Although appearance is the priority for most people, crowded teeth can be harder to clean; this is something the dentist takes into account in terms of plaque build-up and gum problems. Not every case of crowding carries the same risk, so the assessment is individual. For general information you can look at our page on treatment of crowded teeth.
Which treatment options are discussed?
Clear aligners
With removable aligners prepared according to digital planning, the teeth are moved gradually. It is an option often asked about by adults because of its aesthetic appearance. For details you can look at the page on braceless orthodontics for adults.
Fixed braces
Applied with brackets and wires bonded to the teeth. In some cases where complex tooth movements are needed, it may be preferred by the dentist.
Additional procedures
- IPR: Fine reduction between the teeth can be done to create space. For information you can look at the article what is IPR.
- Attachments: Small bumps can be added so that the aligners grip the tooth better.
- Expanding the dental arch: In some cases, widening the arch may be considered to provide space.
- Tooth extraction: It may come up in selected cases where the space problem is large; however, it is not needed for every case of crowding.
What assessments are made before treatment?
- Examination of gum and bone health
- Checking for decay and old fillings
- X-rays and, if needed, three-dimensional imaging
- Digital scan and planning
- Assessment of clenching, the jaw joint and the bite
If there are gum problems, they may need to be dealt with before moving on to orthodontics.
What is considered as age advances?
In adults the bone and gum structure may differ from that of young people; the teeth may in most cases move more slowly. For this reason the plan, the check-up intervals and expectations are determined accordingly. For answers to frequently asked questions about age, you can look at our article up to what age can Invisalign be done.
After treatment: retention
In adults too, once the teeth are aligned they may tend to return to their old position. For this reason the use of a retainer is a natural part of the plan. For those who have been treated before and whose teeth have shifted again, the article teeth shifting after braces may be useful.
Could there be a shorter plan for limited crowding?
In some people who have only mild crowding in the front teeth, the amount of planned movement may be limited. In such cases the treatment time and the number of aligners needed are also generally lower. However, behind crowding that looks “mild” there may be a factor related to the bite or the jaw joint; for this reason a full assessment by the dentist is needed.
What should you pay attention to during treatment?
- Oral hygiene: While the teeth are being aligned, brushing and flossing should be continued. The article oral hygiene with clear aligners gives tips on this.
- Regular check-ups: Whether the teeth are moving as planned is monitored at check-ups.
- Habits: In cases of clenching and grinding, the dentist may recommend additional measures.
- Other dental treatments: If there are implants, bridges or crowns, the plan is made accordingly. General information on this combination is on the page implants and orthodontics.
Before deciding
In adults, the decision to treat is often made by weighing aesthetic expectations and oral health needs together. The balance between the two varies from person to person. Thinking before you come to the examination about what you want to change and what you want to leave as it is makes the consultation easier. You can also look at the page on orthodontic problems treated for all problems.
Frequently asked questions
Does mild crowding correct itself?
Crowding in adults is not expected to correct itself; it can also increase over time. The dentist assesses your situation at the examination.
Is tooth extraction essential in adults?
No. In most cases extraction may not be needed; the decision is made together with the space requirement, jaw structure and other findings.
My teeth were in braces before and have become crowded again; can I be treated again?
Teeth can shift when a retainer is not used. With a new assessment, treatment options can be discussed again.
How do you find out what suits you?
The information here is general; the right plan for you is determined by an examination and the dentist’s assessment. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, Ankara, we go through your questions together during the first orthodontic examination.
