Teeth crowding is a common issue that can affect people of all ages. It occurs when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for teeth to grow properly, resulting in overlapping, crooked, or misaligned teeth. While it may seem like a purely cosmetic concern, teeth crowding can also lead to oral health problems. Fortunately, braces are an effective treatment option for correcting severe teeth crowding and achieving a beautiful, healthy smile.
What is crowding or overcrowding teeth?
The first step to learning about crowding or overcrowding teeth is looking at what it is. It can be defined as a malposition caused by a lack of space, which in turn shifts the teeth so that they are not aligned correctly.
Crowded top, but especially bottom teeth is commonly seen in both children and adults. Usually, children begin to lose their baby teeth to make room for permanent ones, and adults when there simply isn’t enough space in their mouths.
What causes crowded teeth?
As mentioned above, crowded teeth are normally caused by a lack of space, but that’s not the only reason we see oral crowding. Here are some other frequent causes of crowded teeth:
- When the jaw is too small
- When the teeth are larger and can’t fit comfortably in the jaw
- When there is a combination of large teeth and a small jaw
- When the patient has an ogival or narrow palate
- When a person has extra or too many teeth
- When a tooth is broken or missing the teeth around it start to shift
Types of teeth crowding
There are three different types of teeth crowding that are split up based on the origin of the issue.
First: The first type is hereditary, meaning that if your jaw is too small, most likely your children would have the same problem.
Second: The second type of teeth crowding is caused by bad oral habits or fixations. For example, it can be seen in children that suck their thumb or use a pacifier too long.
It can also be seen in kids who lose their baby teeth prematurely. When the permanent teeth are not ready to grow in, but have the space to move, they often do.
Third: Lastly, the third type is when the wisdom teeth grow in (erupt) without having enough space to support them. They can displace all of the existing teeth and cause oral crowding.
Degrees of crowding
Before overcrowded teeth can be fixed, the orthodontist will need to assess and establish the degree of complexity of the case to find an effective and adequate solution.
During your initial consultation, your orthodontist should tell you if you suffer from mild, moderate, or severely overcrowded top and bottom teeth. They will take an X-ray and a 3D scan, as well as perform a detailed oral study to get these results.
Mild crowding teeth
A case with mild crowding teeth is defined as a single tooth that’s missing less than 3mm of space.
Moderate crowding teeth
Then we have moderate crowding teeth. This is when 2 or 3 teeth are misaligned with 3-5mm of jaw space missing.
Severe crowding teeth
Finally, we have severe crowding teeth which is when teeth sit outside the jawline and more than 6mm of space is needed.
What issues can occur if teeth crowding is left untreated?
Many people mistake overcrowded teeth for being merely just a cosmetic issue. But the truth is, having crowded top or bottom teeth can cause many health problems. Listed below are some of the most common issues that can result from teeth crowding that will eventually require treatment:
- Poor oral hygiene. When it’s more difficult to access all areas of the teeth and use oral floss correctly, it’s also difficult to keep your mouth healthy. It can cause the accumulation of bacterial plaque, which in turn increases the likelihood of developing cavities and tartar. You should also remember that plaque is responsible for bad breath.
- In the most severe cases of crowding teeth where oral hygiene is difficult, the patient may end up suffering from inflammation of the gums and other periodontal diseases.
- Another problem that stems from crowded teeth is that the enamel and teeth wear out and deteriorate more quickly.
- Lastly, the overlap can also lead to more serious occlusion or bite problems.
How to fix crowded or overcrowded teeth based on the degree
When it comes to learning how to fix crowded teeth, as we touched on before, the treatment for teeth crowding depends on the severity of the case. That’s why it’s important to find out the degree of your crowded teeth in your initial consultation.
Let’s take a look at how to fix crowded or overcrowded teeth and the treatment options based on severity:
Mild cases
In cases where the overlap is only minor and less than 3mm of space is missing from the oral arch, patients should consider using veneers.
If you’re wondering how to fix crowded teeth without braces, this is one of those options. Made of ceramic or composite materials, oral veneers adapt perfectly to the color of the teeth for a very aesthetically pleasing and natural result.
Moderate to severe cases
When the case is more complex, orthodontic treatment becomes the most effective solution for overcrowded top and bottom teeth. This can be accomplished by using various techniques, as we’ll see below, to obtain satisfactory results.
An overview of braces
For decades, patients have gone to an orthodontist with misaligned teeth and crowded teeth. Braces have long been a common treatment. Traditionally, braces consist of metal brackets and wires, along with elastic hands. The patient typically wears braces for two to three years. More recently, orthodontists have used ceramic instead of metal for braces. These are less noticeable in the mouth and are often preferable to patients.
Preparatory work
The orthodontist at West Clay Orthodontics will first discuss the treatment with the patient and caregivers when applicable. During this consultation, the orthodontist will ensure the patient understands the process. The patient should address concerns and ask questions at this time. The orthodontist will then take X-rays of the mouth and make impressions of the patient’s teeth. This enables the team to make the right treatment plan. It may be necessary to remove one or more teeth to create space in the mouth.
Placing the braces
At the following appointment, the orthodontist will place the brackets and wires around and to the teeth. The elastics secure these in place. Using oral cement, the orthodontist will fix the brackets to the teeth. Wires go between the brackets. These put pressure on the teeth to move them into the proper places. Every few weeks, the patient will go into the office to have the elastics tightened.
The time factor
Every patient is different and has unique needs. The severity of the crowded teeth will determine how long the person wears the braces. The orthodontist will closely monitor how effectively the teeth are moving and creating enough room in the mouth. Most patients will wear braces for at least two years. Once the treatment ends, the person will likely wear a retainer to keep the teeth in place.
FAQs
When is orthodontic treatment recommended for teeth crowding?
While mild crowding may not require immediate intervention, moderate to severe cases often benefit from orthodontic treatment. Early intervention in children can prevent more complex issues later.
Are there non-surgical options for correcting severe crowding?
While orthodontics (braces or aligners) are commonly used, advancements in dentistry have introduced alternatives like clear aligners and lingual braces for less visible treatment.
How long does orthodontic treatment typically take for crowded teeth?
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies based on the severity of crowding and the chosen treatment method. On average, it can range from one to three years.
Can teeth crowding reoccur after orthodontic treatment?
Relapse is possible, especially without proper retainer use. Consistent wear of retainers as recommended by your orthodontist helps maintain the achieved alignment.
How does teeth crowding impact bite and jaw function?
Crowded teeth often disrupt the bite, leading to uneven wear, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing. Correcting crowding can improve bite function and alleviate associated discomfort.
Is it too late to get braces as an adult if I have crowded teeth?
Adult orthodontics has become increasingly popular, and there are various treatment options available to address crowding, even in older patients.
How can I improve the appearance of crowded teeth without braces?
While braces are the most effective solution, cosmetic dentistry options like veneers or dental bonding can mask minor crowding. However, these treatments don’t address the underlying issue.