Crowded and Crooked Teeth Treatment in Shelby Township
Crowded teeth do not have enough room to line up straight, so they overlap or turn. Orthodontic specialist Dr. Thomas Fredal Jr. treats crowding in children, teens and adults at Fredal Orthodontics.
*For new patients only. Patients transferring from another orthodontist: $250 consultation fee, credited toward treatment if they start here.
What Crowded Teeth Look Like
Crowding does not look the same in every mouth. These are three ways it can show up.
Overlapping teeth
A tooth sits partly in front of or behind the tooth next to it.
Turned teeth
A tooth is rotated, or twisted, in its place.
Teeth out of line
A tooth sits forward of, behind or above the row of the other teeth.
How Fredal Orthodontics Treats Crowded Teeth
Dr. Fredal looks at more than whether a tooth is straight. He checks where it should sit in relation to the face, lips, smile, supporting bone and opposing teeth. These checks can change his decisions. Examples are whether to widen the jaw, remove teeth or guide growth, and whether to use braces, Invisalign or both.
Dr. Fredal typically recommends braces rather than Invisalign for a severe deep bite, where the upper front teeth cover too much of the lower front teeth. He typically does the same for significant spacing (large gaps between the teeth).
| Option | What It Is | At Fredal Orthodontics |
|---|---|---|
| Damon Ultima Braces | Passive self-ligating metal brackets. They hold the wire without elastic ties. | They use lightweight shape-memory wires. In comprehensive (full) treatment, Dr. Fredal plans bracket positions in 3D with DIBS AI software. |
| Invisalign | Removable clear aligners. | Each set is worn for one week. |
| Braces, then Invisalign | Braces first for the hardest tooth movements, such as severe rotations (badly turned teeth). Then Invisalign to finish. | Not needed for every patient. Dr. Fredal decides case by case. It is included in the treatment fee. |
| Palatal Expansion | A palatal expander is an appliance that widens the upper jaw. | Offered, including the Invisalign Palatal Expander. Fredal Orthodontics was the first in Michigan to offer it. |
How Long Crowding Treatment Takes
Many comprehensive cases at Fredal Orthodontics are completed in about 12 to 18 months. Dr. Fredal gives you an estimate for your own case after your diagnostic evaluation. During treatment, office visits are every 6-10 weeks. Between visits, you can text photos and questions to the team through Weave. The clinical team reviews them during business hours and replies with next steps.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Your consultation at Fredal Orthodontics takes 50 minutes, including 20 minutes with Dr. Fredal. He personally conducts every consultation.
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Records.
A free CBCT scan (a 3D X-ray scan) on the i-CAT FLX V17, an iTero Lumina digital scan of your teeth and clinical photographs. -
3D diagnosis.
The CBCT and iTero scans are merged for 3D diagnosis. Dr. Fredal uses them to evaluate the roots, the surrounding bone, how the jaws relate and the airway, not only the crowns (the visible parts) of the teeth. -
Your review with Dr. Fredal.
He reviews your complete records with you and gives his treatment recommendation. Sometimes he recommends against treatment. You can also talk about your treatment options, timeline and payment options. -
The exact cost in writing.
You get the exact treatment cost in writing. -
Photo ID.
The practice asks for a photo ID at the new-patient consultation.
The consultation is free for new patients. If you are already in treatment with another orthodontist, a transfer consultation costs $250, credited toward treatment if you start here. A second opinion on treatment you are having elsewhere is free. A return consultation before you start treatment is also free, unless you missed a consultation as a no-show; then it costs $100.
Before treatment begins, the team explains your orthodontic benefits. It also gives you a clear estimate of your out-of-pocket costs. For adult braces, the consultation needs no deposit or commitment to get your plan.
Before & After
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Crowded Teeth at Fredal Orthodontics?
Metal braces: from $5,280 (comprehensive)
Invisalign: from $5,280 (comprehensive)
Phase 1 (early treatment): Braces from $2,980 · Invisalign First from $3,480 · Palatal expander from $2,980
Starting fees shown are estimates and may vary based on individual treatment needs, case complexity, and the specific treatment plan recommended by Dr. Fredal. Final treatment fees are determined following your complimentary consultation and diagnostic evaluation. Prices are subject to change.
Comprehensive fees have three levels, by case complexity: $5,280, $6,880 and $7,175. Your fee does not change with how long treatment takes, and it includes every appliance your case needs.
In-house financing has 0% interest and no credit check. The lowest monthly payment the practice advertises is $179. Payment amounts vary based on treatment costs, down payment and financing terms, and plans run up to 30 months.
The down payment is $750 for comprehensive braces or Invisalign, $500 for Phase 1, or $2,000 for braces with MARPE (upper-jaw expansion held by mini-screws).
Paying in full takes 5% off by cash, check or ACH (a bank transfer), or 3% by credit card, on your out-of-pocket portion. It can be combined with an eligible community discount.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crowded Teeth
Can crowded teeth be fixed without braces?
It depends on your case. Fredal Orthodontics offers Invisalign clear aligners as well as Damon Ultima braces, and Dr. Fredal recommends an option for your case at your consultation. For children, Invisalign First is the aligner option for Phase 1. If you start in clear aligners and need to switch to braces, the switch is covered at no extra charge.
Do crowded teeth need extractions?
Crowding alone does not decide that. Dr. Fredal weighs your facial profile and lip support, the position of your front teeth (incisors), smile width, gum health, function and long-term stability. When it is clinically appropriate, he aims to keep healthy permanent teeth. He recommends extractions (removing teeth) only after a full evaluation and a talk through all your options.
Can a child’s crowding be treated early?
Sometimes. Dr. Fredal decides not only how to treat but when treatment should begin. He weighs growth, dental development, skeletal relationships (how the jaws relate) and the goals of treatment. When early treatment is indicated, he uses growth-guided approaches such as palatal expansion while the child is still developing. Fredal Orthodontics treats children from age 7.
Can crowding that came back after braces be treated?
Yes. Crowding that has returned after earlier braces is one of the adult cases Dr. Fredal routinely treats, along with other retreatment cases. For adults, he evaluates the whole face, including how the jaws relate, gum and bone support, root position and airway, not just tooth alignment. He coordinates surgical care and care with other specialists when it is needed.
Can I use insurance for crowding treatment?
Yes, with a PPO plan the practice accepts. Fredal Orthodontics is in network with Delta Dental PPO. For its other accepted PPO plans, the team files your claims on your behalf as a courtesy. The team takes your insurance card when you book, and you get your benefits verification in writing. You can also use HSA or FSA funds. Insurance details
Related Conditions
Fredal Orthodontics also treats these bite and alignment problems.
Ready to Fix Your Crowded Teeth?
Book a free new-patient visit with Dr. Fredal in Shelby Township. Community discounts take $250 off the part you pay after insurance. They are for military, teachers and first responders. Healthcare workers, students and additional family members in treatment qualify too. One applies per patient. You need ID proof to claim it.
*For new patients only. Patients transferring from another orthodontist: $250 consultation fee, credited toward treatment if they start here.