Crowded Teeth
Crowded Teeth Treatment in Westwood
Crowded teeth occur when there is not enough room in the jaw for all of the teeth to line up properly. Teeth may overlap, twist, or sit in front of one another. Besides affecting how your smile looks, crowding can make it harder to brush and floss, which raises the risk of cavities and gum problems.
Dr. Miriam Van Allen treats crowded teeth in children, teens, and adults at Van Allen Orthodontics in Westwood. Whether crowding is mild or more severe, we will explain your options and recommend braces, Invisalign®, or early treatment when it can help create space as the jaws grow.
What Causes Crowded Teeth?
Crowding can be inherited or develop as teeth erupt. Common causes include:
- A jaw that is too small for the size of the teeth
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Extra teeth, or permanent teeth that come in off track
- Thumb-sucking or other habits that affect how the jaws develop
- Teeth that shift after a tooth is lost or after earlier orthodontic treatment without consistent retainer wear
Adults often notice crowding getting worse over time, especially in the lower front teeth. That is a common reason people seek adult orthodontics in Los Angeles even if they never had braces as a teen.
Signs You May Have Crowded Teeth
- Teeth that overlap or look crooked
- Difficulty flossing between certain teeth
- A tooth that is blocked or erupting out of place
- An uneven bite or jaw that shifts when you close
- Food trapping or frequent staining in tight spots
- A smile you feel self-conscious about
When to Come In for Crowded Teeth
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first visit by age seven. At that age, Dr. Van Allen can often see whether crowded teeth, a narrow jaw, or erupting permanent teeth will need early (Phase One) treatment. Coming in early does not always mean braces start right away. Sometimes we watch growth and start when the timing is better.
Teens and adults should come in whenever crowding bothers them, makes cleaning difficult, or is getting worse. It is never too late to treat crowded teeth at our Wilshire Boulevard office.
How We Treat Crowded Teeth
Your plan depends on your age, how much crowding you have, and whether the bite also needs correction. Treatment at our Westwood office may include:
- Early / two-phase treatment — For children, we may use expanders or other appliances to make room before all permanent teeth come in, which can reduce the need for extractions later.
- Braces — Traditional metal or ceramic braces can reliably uncrowd teeth and correct the bite. Learn more on our types of braces page.
- Invisalign® clear aligners — Many mild to moderate crowding cases can be treated with a series of custom trays. This is a popular option for teens and adults who want a more discreet look. Visit our Invisalign treatment page to learn more.
- Retainers — After active treatment, retainers help keep newly aligned teeth from crowding again.
Dr. Van Allen will review photos, X-rays, and a digital scan as needed so you can see why teeth are crowded and how they will move.
How Often Will I Need Appointments?
- Your first visit is a complimentary consultation to examine crowding and discuss options.
- If you choose braces, visits are usually every four to eight weeks.
- If you choose Invisalign, checkups are often every 8 to 12 weeks.
- Children in observation or Phase One may be seen about every six months until the next stage of care.
Crowded Teeth in Children, Teens, and Adults
Children: Early evaluation can catch crowding before it becomes more complex. Creating space while the jaws are still growing often makes later treatment shorter and simpler. See our children’s orthodontics and two-phase treatment pages.
Teens: This is a common time to treat crowded teeth with braces or Invisalign while remaining growth can still help. Explore options on our teen orthodontics page.
Adults: Crowding can be treated at any age. Many Westwood and Westside patients choose Invisalign or ceramic braces for a lower-profile look. Learn more about adult orthodontics.
If you are looking for crowded teeth treatment in Westwood, Brentwood, or Century City, schedule a complimentary consultation with Van Allen Orthodontics. We will explain what is causing the crowding and which approach is the best fit for your smile.
