Crowded teeth, in addition to being a problem that affects the aesthetics of the smile, has a strong impact on the oral health of the person who suffers from it. In this article, we will look in depth at the causes of teeth crowding, its possible consequences and the different treatment alternatives available to treat it effectively.
Let’s see what are the causes that lead to dental crowding.
What causes dental crowding?
Dental crowding, which happens when teeth become crowded, sometimes due to lack of space, can be caused by:
1. Genetic inheritance
Just as eye color is inherited from our parents, the shape and size of our jaw and teeth also run in the family. If your parents had problems with crowded teeth, there is a good chance that you will too.
In addition to genetics, there are other factors that can influence from childhood.
2. Prolonged uses of a pacifier or finger in childhood
Children who use a pacifier for a long time or have the habit of sucking their thumb can develop crowded teeth. This happens because these habits can change the shape of the mouth and the position of the teeth.
Another common cause is the early loss of baby teeth.
3. Early loss of baby teeth
If baby teeth are lost too early, there may be problems with the permanent teeth growing properly, leading to tooth crowding.
Additionally, care after specific dental treatments is crucial.
4. Do not wear retainers after orthodontics
After orthodontic treatment, if retainers are not worn as directed, the teeth can return to their original position and become crowded again. Although wisdom teeth also play an important role in dental alignment.
5. Problems with wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth can push against other teeth when they come in, especially if there is not enough space in the mouth, causing dental crowding.
And of course, the proportion between the size of the teeth and the jaw is a determining factor.
6. Discrepancy between teeth and jaw size
If your teeth are too large for your jaw, or your jaw is very small, this can also be one of the causes of crowded teeth.
Now that you know the most common causes of dental crowding, let’s see what the consequences of crowded teeth having are.
What happens if you have crowded teeth? consequences
As we have mentioned, crowded teeth, in addition to being an aesthetic problem, can have negative consequences for oral health, the most common of which are:
- Oral hygiene problems: Difficulty in properly cleaning crowded teeth encourages plaque buildup, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Periodontal diseases: the accumulation of plaque and food debris can cause gingivitis or periodontitis, seriously affecting the health of the gums.
- Uneven wear of tooth enamel: A misaligned bite, common in cases of crowding, can cause uneven wear of tooth enamel due to uneven distribution of pressure when biting and chewing.
- Functional and occlusion problems: Crowded teeth can lead to an incorrect bite, which in turn can lead to jaw joint problems and cause associated problems.
- Speech and chewing difficulties: In some cases, dental crowding can affect the way a person speaks or chews, causing discomfort or difficulties in these basic functions.
Once we have seen the most common consequences of dental crowding, it is evident that treating this problem is crucial not only for the aesthetics of the smile, but also for oral health in general. Now, let’s look at the treatment options available for this dental problem.
Treatment options for dental crowding
There are different solutions for crowded teeth, and each one adapts to the specific needs of each patient. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the crowding and individual preferences, some of the most common treatment options for dental crowding are:
1. Dental veneers for crowded teeth
Dental veneers, especially porcelain veneers, are an excellent aesthetic solution for crowded teeth. These thin sheets of porcelain or composite adhere to the front surface of the teeth, offering a more aligned and uniform appearance.
Porcelain veneers are known for their durability and natural appearance, making them a great option for improving the aesthetics of crowded teeth.
They are perfect for mild cases of crowding where it is not necessary to modify the position of the teeth, but simply improve their appearance.
2. Invisalign treatment for crowded teeth
Invisalign represents a modern and less noticeable option compared to traditional braces to treat crowded teeth. This innovative system uses clear, removable aligners, designed specifically for each patient.
These aligners are changed approximately every two weeks, gradually adjusting the teeth towards their correct position.
Invisalign is a particularly attractive solution for adults and adolescents who prefer a method of dental correction that does not aesthetically interfere with their daily lives. In addition to being less visible, Invisalign offers the convenience of being removable, making dental hygiene easier during treatment.
3. Tooth extraction for crowded teeth
In cases of severe dental crowding, one of the treatment options is tooth extraction. This procedure involves removing one or more teeth to create additional space in the mouth. By doing this, the correct alignment of the remaining teeth is facilitated.
Tooth extraction is carried out under local anesthesia and is generally accompanied by orthodontic treatment. The objective of this combination of treatments is to ensure optimal and functional alignment of the teeth.
Tooth extraction is considered when other alternatives, such as expansion of the dental arch or the use of braces, are not sufficient to solve the problem of space in the mouth.
The decision to extract one or more teeth is made carefully, evaluating the long-term impact on the patient’s aesthetics and dental function.
4. Surgery to correct crowded teeth
In more complex situations of crowded teeth, where the underlying cause is the bone structure and cannot be resolved with orthodontics alone, orthognathic surgery is usually an effective solution.
This advanced procedure involves modifying the position of the jaw bones to achieve better tooth alignment and an optimal bite. Orthognathic surgery is performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatments to ensure a result that is aesthetically pleasing and functionally correct.
This treatment option is recommended when deeper adjustments to the bone structure are required to obtain a harmonious smile and proper bite.
Prevention of dental crowding
Preventing dental crowding begins in childhood and continues throughout life with proper practices and care. Here are some keys to preventing dental crowding:
- Be careful with childhood habits: It is important to avoid habits such as prolonged use of pacifiers or thumb sucking in young children, as they can alter the natural alignment of the teeth and jaw, thus promoting dental crowding.
- Maintaining correct oral hygiene from childhood: good oral hygiene is essential to maintain healthy baby teeth, which in turn is key to the proper development of permanent teeth and to prevent their premature loss.
- Regular visits to the dentist: Regular dental consultations allow you to monitor dental development and act in time against signs of crowding.
- Correct use of post-orthodontic retainers: after orthodontic treatment, the use of retainers as directed by the dentist is crucial to keep the teeth in their correct position and prevent them from re-crowding.
- Use of space maintainers if necessary: In certain cases, especially after extraction of a primary tooth, the use of a space maintainer may be appropriate to prevent tooth movement and subsequent crowding.
Even if some cases of dental crowding are inevitable due to heredity, early dental care can reduce the risks and prevent the need for future treatments or complications.
What if you already have crowded teeth? Let’s see what to do.
What to do if you already have crowded teeth?
If you have crowded teeth, the first and most important thing is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. The specialist will be able to examine your situation and advise you on the most appropriate treatment options for your case, which can range from traditional orthodontics to more modern alternatives such as clear aligners (or invisible orthodontics).
Each case is unique, and the ideal solution will depend on factors such as the severity of the crowding and your personal preferences. Maintaining a healthy smile not only improves your appearance but is also vital to your overall oral health.
Of course, dental crowding is not exclusive to adults, it also usually affects children.
Crowded teeth in children
For children with crowded teeth, an early check-up by a dentist or orthodontist is essential. Treatment sometimes usually begins with interceptive orthodontics, focused on correcting bone problems and guiding the correct eruption of teeth. In certain situations, if more space is needed for dental alignment, other treatment options may be considered.
In addition, maintaining good dental hygiene and making regular visits to the dentist from an early age are essential to both prevent and control dental crowding.
Treatment for crowded teeth in Ontario
Our dental clinics in Ontario offer a wide variety of treatments for dental crowding, adapting to the needs and expectations of each patient.
At Chagger Dental, we also offer you traditional orthodontic options, such as braces, and more modern and less invasive solutions such as Invisalign, a discreet and effective alternative, as well as veneers or dental covers to improve dental aesthetics.
We understand that each case is unique, which is why the treatments we perform at our Chagger Dental Clinic are personalized.
Our goal is to ensure your comfort and satisfaction throughout the process. If you are considering treatment for crowded teeth in Ontario, we invite you to contact us for a consultation. We will be happy to provide you with all the necessary information and help you make the best decision for your oral health.
