Having an appealing smile extends beyond choosing the right shade of white; it is also influenced by the alignment of the teeth. Conversely, crowded teeth can impact not only a person’s appearance but also pose various health concerns. Fortunately, individuals who weren’t naturally blessed with perfectly straight teeth have numerous treatment options available to address these alignment issues.
What does it mean to have Crowded Teeth?
Occlusion refers to the alignment of teeth and the harmony between the upper and lower teeth. Individuals with an ideal bite exhibit normal occlusion, indicating that their top and bottom teeth interlock in a well-fitted manner, with the upper teeth slightly overlapping the lower set.
In contrast, individuals experiencing misalignment, known as malocclusion or crowded teeth, may face issues such as overbites, underbites, or overlapping of teeth. Mild cases of crowding may involve slight rotation of an anterior (front) tooth, while moderate cases may feature an overlap of two or three anterior teeth. The most severe instances of crowding occur when a significant portion of the top or bottom row of teeth overlays one another.
What are the Causes of Crowded Teeth?
Various factors contribute to crowded teeth, with genetics standing out as one of the primary causes. Familial tendencies, such as smaller jaw sizes, can limit the space available for permanent teeth to grow. Additionally, congenital conditions like a cleft palate can contribute to overcrowding.
Malocclusion may result from dental irregularities, including the presence of extra, missing, or impacted teeth. Jaw issues such as tumours, dislocations, or fractures can also lead to crowding, as can errors in dental procedures, such as improperly placing crowns or fillings.
Childhood habits and experiences can further contribute to crowded teeth, including behaviors like thumb sucking, excessive pacifier use, or tongue thrusting. Losing a baby or primary tooth prematurely can create space for other teeth to shift, complicating the proper emergence of permanent teeth. Conversely, baby teeth that persist for an extended period can also contribute to overcrowding.
What are the Risks of having Crowded Teeth?
Malocclusion typically presents more than just aesthetic challenges, as crowded teeth can impact various aspects of a person’s well-being. Beyond altering facial profiles, misaligned teeth can create difficulties in biting, chewing food, and engaging in closed-mouth breathing. Individuals with misaligned teeth may experience speech issues like lisps, and there’s a risk of accidentally biting the lips, tongue, or cheek.
Moreover, crowding of teeth can significantly interfere with dental hygiene and overall oral health. Misaligned teeth are more challenging to brush and floss effectively. Individuals with moderate to severe cases often encounter higher rates of cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and related issues. When oral health deteriorates, it can contribute to the development of other conditions, such as heart disease and weakened immunity over time.
How to Fix Crowded Teeth?
Individuals who do not naturally have an ideal bite have various options for addressing mild, moderate, or severe teeth crowding. A dentist can recommend the most suitable course of action based on the patient’s health history and the severity of their malocclusion.
CLEAR ALIGNERS
Clear Aligners are most popular and easy treatment for crowded teeth these days. Clear aligners such as SA Aligners represent a form of invisible orthodontics akin to clear braces. Unlike traditional braces with glued brackets, patients using clear aligners wear removable transparent braces for a minimum of 22 hours daily. In-office treatments like Invisalign offer a comparable cost to traditional braces but necessitate regular upkeep.
A common inquiry from patients revolves around the duration of aligner treatments, especially for crowded teeth. Typically, patients require 8-12 sets of trays, each designed for both upper and lower teeth, and each set is worn for two weeks before advancing to the next. The entire treatment duration spans 10-12 weeks.
RETAINERS
In addressing very mild cases of crowded teeth, retainers can prove effective. While they don’t straighten teeth, retainers can exert sufficient pressure to gradually shift them into better alignment.
BRACES
Braces stand as the most prevalent treatment for crowded teeth, commonly used in children but also chosen by adults. Traditional braces, known for their affordability, employ gold or silver brackets affixed to the teeth to address mild to severe crowding, jaw issues, and other dental concerns. Additionally, small rubber bands connect between the brackets. For those seeking an alternative, ceramic braces are available, featuring enamel-colored brackets instead of metal.
CROWNS
If you’re not inclined to pursue any of the aforementioned methods, another option to consider is having crowns installed. This procedure entails the removal of a significant portion of tooth structure, followed by the placement of a metal or tooth-colored cap over it. However, it’s important to note that crown fitting may not be the optimal method, as it involves the removal of a considerable number of healthy teeth. However, if your dentist advises you to get crowns, you can opt for that treatment option.
Veneers, Crowns, Implants, Bridges & Invisible Braces
For patients with moderate teeth crowding, a dentist might recommend dental veneers, thin, tooth-colored shells customized to fit over the top of the original teeth. Before attaching the veneers, the dentist has to remove some of the original enamel. Although veneers require fewer dental appointments, they are typically more expensive than traditional and clear braces.
For some patients who have a lot of fillings or decay in their crooked teeth, a dental crown is more appropriate than a veneer to straighten teeth. If one or more teeth are missing in a crowded mouth, dental implants or bridges may also be used to replace missing teeth in the process of straightening a smile.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of the treatment you choose, fixing crowded teeth safely and effectively requires dental care. Book a session with SA Aligners experts and get free consultancy. Individuals concerned about their crowded teeth should consult a dental professional to understand the severity of their condition and learn about the best Clear Aligners Treatment.
