Bite & Alignment Issues
6 min read • By Dr. Kevin Baharvand, Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics
Crowded teeth are the single most common reason people come see me. Maybe a tooth is twisted, or the bottom front teeth overlap, or everything just looks a little bunched. The reassuring part: crowding is one of the most treatable things in orthodontics, and fixing it isn't only about looks, it makes your teeth easier to keep healthy. Let me explain what causes crowding and the real options for correcting it.
What is teeth crowding?
Crowding is simply a mismatch between the size of your teeth and the space available in your jaw. When the jaw is too small, or the teeth are a bit too large, there isn't enough room for everything to sit side by side. The teeth respond by overlapping, rotating, or pushing in front of or behind one another. It ranges from a couple of slightly overlapped front teeth to a full arch where nothing quite lines up. You can read more on our crowded teeth page.
What causes crowded teeth?
- Genetics, the biggest factor. You can inherit a smaller jaw, larger teeth, or both.
- Early loss of baby teeth, which lets neighboring teeth drift and steal space.
- Extra or unusually large teeth that simply need more room than there is.
- Habits like prolonged thumb-sucking that affect how the jaw and teeth develop.
Why crowding is worth fixing
Where teeth overlap, a toothbrush and floss can't reach well, so plaque builds up in those hidden spots. Over time that means a higher risk of cavities and gum disease exactly where you can't see it. Crowding can also wear teeth unevenly and contribute to bite problems. Correcting it makes daily cleaning far easier and protects your teeth for the long run, on top of the confidence boost of a straighter smile.
How teeth crowding is fixed
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Braces | Mild to severe crowding; the most versatile fix |
| Clear aligners | Mild to moderate crowding, for a discreet look |
| Palate expander | Kids, to widen the jaw and create room early |
| Extraction (occasionally) | Severe crowding where no other room exists |
The right choice depends on how much crowding you have and your age. For growing kids, we can sometimes guide the jaw with early treatment so there's room for adult teeth to come in straight. For teens and adults, braces or aligners realign what's there. Extractions are a last resort, used only when the crowding is severe enough that nothing else creates the space. An exam and X-rays tell us exactly which path fits you.
Crowded teeth you'd like to straighten?
A free consultation gives you a clear plan and price for your case.
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Why families trust Elate Orthodontics
With over 1,000 five-star reviews across three locations, Elate Orthodontics is led by Dr. Kevin Baharvand, DMD, MS, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, whose clinical work was recently selected for the cover of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the most prestigious peer-reviewed journal in the field, and a national speaker on clear aligner treatment. Alongside Dr. Julia Kang, DMD, MS, both Boston University graduates and members of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national honor society, our husband-and-wife team has been recognized as D Magazine Best Dentist 2026, Living Magazine Readers' Choice 2026 Best Orthodontist in Frisco & Plano, Readers' Choice Best Orthodontist in The Colony, Best New Business by the Chamber of Commerce, Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite, and featured in Orthotown and Authority Magazine.
We serve families through three convenient offices in West Frisco, North Frisco, and The Colony, each staffed by the same trusted team, equipped with advanced technology, and committed to the personalized approach that consistently helps patients finish treatment sooner than expected. From braces and clear braces to Angel Aligners, we offer treatment for every age and every stage of life. We stay in-network with most insurance plans and offer flexible financing to make exceptional orthodontic care accessible for every family we serve.
Need general and family dentistry too? Our sister practice, Tribute Family Dentistry, provides dental care for all ages.
