– Crowded teeth? Here is how we fix it.
Crowding, where there is not enough room and the teeth overlap or twist, is the most common reason people come to see us. Here is what causes it, whether you need extractions, and how we straighten it.
★ 5.0 from 71 Google reviews · Specialist orthodontist · Real patient results · Newmarket, Auckland
Reviewed by Dr Shaz MacAvoy, Specialist Orthodontist. Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics), registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand.
Crowding, corrected
Real Milk Orthodontics patients, treated by a specialist and shared with their permission. Your own plan is designed for your specific case.
What causes crowded teeth
Crowding simply means there is not enough room in the jaw for all the teeth to line up, so they overlap, twist or sit out of the arch. It usually comes down to the teeth being a little large for the jaw, and it tends to run in families. It is very treatable at any age.
Why it happens
It is mostly about size: teeth that are slightly big for the jaw, or a jaw that is slightly small for the teeth. Losing baby teeth too early can also let others drift and crowd the space.
Why it is worth treating
Crowded teeth are harder to clean, so they are more prone to decay and gum problems, and they can wear unevenly. Straightening them is easier to keep healthy for life, as well as looking better.
How we treat it
We create room, sometimes by gently widening the arch, sometimes by removing a few teeth in more crowded cases, then align everything with braces or clear aligners. Retainers afterwards keep the result for good.
Not all crowding needs extractions, and a specialist assessment is the only way to know for sure. A free Smile Assessment tells you exactly what is going on and whether treatment is needed. We treat this in children, teens and adults.
Clear pricing, no surprises
The first step is a free Smile Assessment, in the clinic or over Zoom. A full diagnostic work-up with a written plan and exact quote is $390. Simple cosmetic treatment from $7,900, comprehensive specialist treatment from $9,900 with most cases around $10,400, all-inclusive of records, appliances, appointments, retainers and aftercare. Interest-free in-house plans work out around $60 to $76 a week, and family discounts apply for siblings.
Answered honestly
Can crowded teeth be fixed without extractions?
Often, yes. Mild to moderate crowding is frequently treated by gently creating space and aligning the teeth, no extractions needed. More severe crowding sometimes needs a few teeth removed to make room for a stable, healthy result. A specialist assessment tells you which applies to you.
Can I fix crowding with clear aligners?
Many crowding cases can be treated with clear aligners, and others do better with braces, especially more complex or severe crowding. We will give you a straight answer on which will give you the better result at your assessment.
Will crowding come back after treatment?
Teeth naturally drift throughout life, so we finish every case with retainers to hold your result. Wear them as directed and your teeth stay straight. Stop wearing them and they can slowly crowd again, which is why retainers matter so much.
How much does it cost to fix crowded teeth?
Simple cosmetic treatment starts from $7,900 and comprehensive specialist treatment from $9,900, all-inclusive of records, appliances, appointments, retainers and aftercare, including GST. Interest-free plans work out around $60 to $76 a week, with an exact quote after your free assessment.
See how straight your smile could be
A free 20 minute Smile Assessment, in the clinic or over Zoom. No referral needed, no obligation, just honest specialist advice on your crowding and the simplest way to straighten it.
See more before and after results, or explore other conditions we treat.