Crowded Teeth Treatment in Mentor, OH: Spacing, Impacted, and Missing Teeth

The simplest way to think about it is this: crowding means there is not enough room for the teeth to line up neatly, while spacing means there is too much room, which leaves gaps between teeth. Crowding is the problem we correct most often, and spacing is essentially its opposite. Either one can make brushing and flossing harder, throw off how your teeth come together, and change how a smile looks, which is exactly why both are worth evaluating early, as these problems to not self-correct. 

Gaps usually appear when your teeth are small relative to your jaw, when a tooth is missing, or when the way you bite gradually pushes teeth apart. Spacing between teeth can trace back to several sources:

• Teeth that are small compared with a larger jaw, so they do not fill the arch
• One or more missing teeth
• The way your upper and lower teeth come together when you bite
• A tongue-thrust or unusual swallowing pattern
• A thick band of tissue between the front teeth, called a frenum

Pinpointing the cause matters, because it tells us whether the fix is simply closing the space or planning a little more carefully around a tooth that is not there.

In most cases we close spacing by gently guiding the teeth together with braces or clear aligners until the gaps disappear. When a space is very large or comes from a tooth that was lost, we may instead size the opening correctly for a future replacement such as a dental implant or bridge. Your age and bone density both influence how easily a space closes and how long that takes, so no two timelines are exactly alike.

An impacted tooth is one that does not break through the gum on schedule and stays trapped in the bone, and it will not erupt on its own without help. Several things can cause tooth impaction:

• Not enough room, often from crowding
• A physical blockage somewhere in the tooth’s path
• An unusual angle or orientation in the bone
• Changes such as a cyst in the tissue around the developing tooth
• Baby teeth that stay in place well past their time

Canines are among the most common teeth to become impacted, and catching one early almost always means more options and a simpler path forward.

We treat an impacted tooth by clearing a path for it and then guiding it into its proper place, usually over several months. Depending on the case, the approach may combine:

• Opening space so the tooth has somewhere to go
• Removing baby teeth or other obstacles in its path
• Coordinating with an oral surgeon or periodontist for surgically exposing the tooth and gently guiding it into position, paired with braces to complete the movement
• Removing the tooth altogether when that is the healthier long-term choice

These are among the more challenging cases in orthodontics and can run longer than a routine plan, so a clear strategy and a little patience go a long way.

Left alone, an impacted tooth can quietly damage the teeth and bone around it and create problems that are far harder to fix later. Over time the tooth may press on its neighbors, migrate through the bone, or trigger changes in the tissue of its own developmental sac, and nearby roots and bony structures can be harmed in the process. That is why an early evaluation is so valuable. It gives us the chance to protect the surrounding teeth and step in before a small issue turns into a big one.

When a tooth is missing, orthodontic treatment can go one of two directions: open the space for a replacement, or close it so the neighboring teeth meet naturally and no replacement is needed. Which path is best depends on your bite, your alignment, and how you want your smile to look. Opening the space prepares the area for a future implant, bridge, or removable appliance sized just right, while closing it brings the adjacent teeth together instead. For patients with missing teeth, we weigh all of these factors together before recommending a direction.

Yes. Both braces and clear aligners can correct crowding, close spacing, and straighten misaligned teeth, and the better fit depends on your teeth, your goals, and your day-to-day life. Braces give us precise control for more complex movements, while aligners offer a discreet, removable option that many teens and adults prefer for milder to moderate cases. During your visit we walk you through the braces we offer alongside our full range of orthodontic services, then help you choose the approach that suits you best.

Cost depends on how involved your case is and how long treatment takes, so we give you a clear, personalized estimateafter a thorough in-person evaluation. No two plans are identical. During your consultation we review your options, walk through flexible payment choices, and go over any dental insurance benefits that may apply, so you leave knowing exactly what to expect. Our goal is simple: make excellent care easy to say yes to for the whole family.

Families choose our practice because we treat the person, not just the teeth, and because two generations of orthodontists work side by side on every smile. Drs. Ashleigh and Bradley Kmentt bring decades of experience together with modern techniques, and that partnership shapes the calm, collaborative feel of each visit. What sets us apart:

• A father-daughter team, Dr. Ashleigh and Dr. Bradley Kmentt, with more than 150 combined years of orthodontic experience throughout our staff
• Personalized treatment plans instead of a one-size-fits-all routine
• 3D scanning and digital treatment planning that make care more precise and comfortable
• A warm, upbeat office where patients of every age feel like family

It is the kind of care that keeps families coming back, and referring the people they love most.