What Are Crowded Teeth?

There are many common tooth problems that you may or may not have heard of. From bruxism to cavities and gingivitis to halitosis, it is important to have a good oral hygiene routine and regularly visit your dentist to keep on top of your teeth. Overcrowding in the mouth is a common dental issue, and there are many causes and treatments that you can have. Here are a few basic pieces of information on crowded teeth, and some tips on how to combat them.

Causes:

There are several causes of crowded teeth, and it is very common. When caught early, it can be treated in a variety of ways, but if left untreated can result in further dental issues. A few of the causes of overcrowding are as follows:

Cleft Lip or Palate: this is a common birth defect in which the unborn baby’s developing facial structures do not close properly. There may be a split, or cleft, in the lip and/or roof of the mouth or even in the muscles of the soft palate, which can result in many problems including speech or dental issues. A cleft lip or palate can impact the development of the teeth leading to many dental problems, including overcrowding.

Primary Teeth: overcrowding can occur if your primary teeth do not fall out in time, or if they fall out too early. In the case of the former, in some cases primary teeth may loosen and then retighten, leaving the secondary teeth unable to erupt properly. If you lose your baby teeth too early, the other teeth may move into the gap, causing overcrowding when the secondary teeth erupt.

Jaw vs Teeth Size: you may experience overcrowding as a result of disharmony between the size of your jaw and the size of your teeth. In one case, your jaw may be too small to fit all of your teeth in. On the other hand, your teeth may be too large for your jaw. Both result in overcrowding of your teeth due to a lack of room in your jaw.

If Untreated:

If untreated, overcrowded teeth can impact your physical appearance and self-esteem. They can also make it difficult to take good care of your teeth, and you cannot reach all the areas you need to clean. This means that bacteria is more likely to build up, resulting in further dental issues such as gum disease or tooth decay. Treating overcrowded teeth is important to give you a better bite, improve gum and tooth health and improve your smile!

Treatments:

Overcrowding can be treated in a number of ways, especially if it is caught early on. Depending on your circumstances, treatments can include braces like these offered by Best Dental, or surgery to remove some of the teeth and make more room in your mouth, or a combination of both. Braces are attached to your teeth and gradually move them back into place, and are widely used to straighten misaligned teeth. Ceramic braces are the same color as your teeth, so are a common choice because they are less noticeable. 

Another subtle treatment option worth considering are clear aligners, which are plastic trays that apply constant pressure to methodically align your smile. Since clear aligners are smooth, they are a comfortable alternative to traditional braces options, which can feel abrasive on the cheeks and tongue. These treatments are highly flexible — you can be treated in-person by a dentist or orthodontist, or from the comfort of your own home with remote providers. 

Some people delay orthodontic treatment because they don’t want it interfering with their lifestyle. Clear aligners are removable, so you won’t need to restrict your diet and brushing and flossing will be as easy as ever. Since this teeth straightening option is practically invisible, it’s a good fit for people who want to keep their treatment to themselves. 

There are many other tooth problems that you may encounter, including over or underbites and diastema. A diastema is a gap between two teeth and again there can be many different causes. One is also a disharmony in the relationship between the jaw and teeth, but in this case the teeth are too small for the jaw. A diastema can be treated in a variety of ways, including braces to gradually move the teeth back into position, or veneers or composite bonding. Dental issues that involve misalignment of the bite are known as malocclusion which literally means ‘bad bite’. 

Poor oral hygiene can also cause many problems, including gum disease, cavities and halitosis. Regularly brushing and flossing, eating a balanced diet and avoiding too many sugary and acidic foods can all help to keep your teeth and mouth as healthy as possible. Combining these good habits with frequent trips to the dentist will help to keep your teeth in good condition for as long as possible. Overcrowding is very common and therefore your dentist will be able to recommend the best course of treatment for you, allowing you to rectify the issue as soon as possible and preventing further dental problems as a result of untreated overcrowding. Visiting your dentist is very important in looking after your teeth, and you should look after your oral health just as well as you look after the rest of your body!

If you are experiencing tooth loss or severe dental issues, a quick search for dental implants Cleveland TN can help you find professionals who specialize in restoring smiles. Dental implants provide a long-term solution for missing teeth, improving both function and appearance while supporting overall oral health. Consulting a specialist can help determine if implants are the right option for you.