Teeth are comparable to people, much like us; they all come in different shapes and sizes. Yes, they vary in size and shape due to each tooth’s role in our mouths, but they also differ from person to person cosmetically. Some people have a gap in-between their front teeth; others have naturally shorter teeth – the list goes on and on.
One of the most common reasons people end up in the orthodontist’s chair is that their teeth have grown in weird angles or gotten a little too cosy together. This condition is called crowded teeth and, if left untreated, can cause serious issues that aren’t just cosmetic.
From difficulty brushing and flossing to gum disease, there are various treatment options available for those with overcrowding teeth to prevent problems like those mentioned earlier from happening in the future. This article was created to help you understand more about the causes of crowded teeth, how to treat them and why it’s essential – keep reading to learn more.
What Is Overcrowding Teeth?
Overcrowding teeth is a common dental problem caused by insufficient space in the mouth, which causes the teeth to shift as they grow so that they are wonky in appearance. As the teeth grow in, they have to compete for space, pushing each other into uneven, crooked positions.
This dental issue is more prevalent in children when their baby teeth start falling out to make room for their adult teeth; however, it is not uncommon to see adults with crowded teeth either. As a result, adults or children with overcrowding teeth are susceptible to various health and cosmetic complications if left untreated. Some of the most common difficulties that individuals with crowded teeth can experience are as follows:
- Problems With the Structure of the Teeth – Overcrowding teeth can cause periodontal issues because they are more susceptible to the growth of plaque and bacteria – making it easier to contract gum disease etc.
- Bad Breath – Since the teeth are closer together, it is more difficult for the owner to brush or floss the bacteria that cause bad breath.
- Tooth Wear – Due to the positioning of overcrowded teeth, some get more use than others causing excessive wear.
- Tooth Injury – The upper teeth are more prone to sticking out when your teeth are crowded, meaning that they are more vulnerable to chipping.
- Chewing Problems – Overcrowding teeth can make chewing harder, leading to digestive problems since the food isn’t being broken down correctly.
How Can Dental Crowding Be Treated?
If left untreated crowded teeth can cause various problems for the affected individual. Fortunately, today’s orthodontists offer a range of cosmetic options for individuals with overcrowding teeth, some of which we outline below:
- Braces – Perhaps the most widely known option for treating dental crowding is through the installation of a brace. These can be metal, ceramic, or lingual braces that can help adequately align crooked teeth.
- Extractions – If an individual has a highly overcrowded mouth, sometimes the only option is to get teeth extracted. This is often necessary for people suffering from Hyperdontia, which causes excess teeth to grow and therefore crowds the mouth. Once all the required extractions have taken place, your dentist will then guide the teeth into the extraction zone to rectify the crowding.
- Retainers – After you’ve had treatment for dental crowding carried out, your orthodontist will provide you with a retainer for wear after treatment. Over time your teeth can migrate into their original positions, so the retainer is supplied to prevent this and protect your new smile.
- Clear Aligners – Clear aligners are the perfect option for straightening crowded teeth for those who don’t want a mouth full of metal. Since they are almost invisible, clear aligners are suitable for teens and adults alike looking to achieve results with speed/efficiency. Plus, they can even be done from the comfort of your own home through providers like Straight My Teeth, who produce a range of products that serve as treatment for crowded teeth. For more insight, check out their website for their entire product offering or contact a team member directly to discover how their innovative solutions could help you today.
What Causes Dental Crowding?
There are many reasons why dental crowding is caused, although genetics usually plays a significant role. Typically, dental crowding happens because an individual lacks space in their mouth, whether because of jaw size or the teeth are too small for the jawbone and other external factors. Some of the most common causes of dental crowding are as follows:
- Losing infant teeth prematurely.
- Additional adult teeth.
- Syndromes that cause teeth to become unnaturally large.
- Growing too many teeth.
Despite what may cause an individual’s teeth to become crowded, it can affect people in many ways. Some people may only have one tooth affected by the crowding, whereas the condition may affect the whole mouth in others.
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