Teeth Crowding: Causes And Treatments.
Teeth crowding, a common type of malocclusion, occurs when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for teeth to grow in and align properly. Overlapping, twisting, or misalignment of teeth is a common issue that can impact a patient’s appearance and oral health. Whether you’re dealing with mild crowding in the front teeth or more severe crowding in the lower teeth, early diagnosis and expert treatment are key.
What Causes Teeth Crowding?
Several factors can create an oral environment that promotes crowding of teeth. Some are genetic, while others are environmental or even behavioral. It’s important to distinguish the cause of your teeth crowding before pursuing specific treatment.
If you’ve experienced any of these causes, you may also have a developing or established overcrowding issue.
Jaw Size Discrepancy
An undersized jaw bone may not have enough space to accommodate all teeth properly.
Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
Losing baby teeth too soon or retaining them for too long can disrupt the eruption of permanent adult teeth.
Extra Teeth or Large Teeth
Oversized or too many teeth can lead to overcrowding.
Improper Eruption Patterns
Teeth growing in at an angle or in an improper location can push other, properly grown teeth out of alignment.
Thumb Sucking or Tongue Thrusting
Prologned childhood habits can alter the jaw structure and teeth alignment over time.
Types of Teeth Crowding.
Teeth crowding can vary in terms of severity and location. Identifying the specific type helps specialists customize the most effective treatment.
At Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists, we diagnose and treat all types of dental crowding. With decades of experience and access to advanced SureSmile technologies, we tailor treatments to fit your unique needs.
Mild Crowding Teeth
Slight rotation or mild overlap of one or two teeth might only be a mild teeth crowding. While it may not cause much discomfort, the issue can impact the appearance of your smile and affect your ability to floss and clean in between teeth.
Moderate to Severe Crowding of Teeth
In these cases, several teeth overlap significantly, causing discomfort, speech issues, or improper bite alignment. Severe crowding of teeth often requires more complex treatments, such as clear aligners or braces.
Front Teeth Crowding
Since front teeth are the most visible part of most smiles, any misalignment tends to be noticeable. Front teeth crowding often affects patient confidence and is commonly addressed with orthodontic solutions like SureSmile aligners.
Bottom Teeth Crowding
Bottom teeth crowding is also fairly common and requires many similar treatment options are front teeth crowding.
Problems Caused by Crowded Teeth.
While crowding may initially seem like a cosmetic issue, it can have serious implications for your oral health and overall well-being. Here are some of the key problems associated with crowded teeth.
If you’re looking for an orthodontic specialist who emphasizes results, comfort, and efficiency, contact Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists. Schedule your consultation with one of our crowding teeth specialists today!
Oral Hygiene Challenges
Crowded teeth are harder to clean, making it difficult to remove plaque buildup and food debris with brushing and flossing alone. Even patients experiencing only mild crowding of their teeth are at risk for cavities, gum disease (periodontitis), and bad breath (halitosis).
Abnormal Bite and Jaw Function
Malocclusion caused by teeth crowding can result in bite problems, often leading to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues, jaw pain, and headaches.
Worn or Damaged Teeth
Crowded teeth often rub against each other unevenly, leasing to premature enamel wear, chips, and/or cracks.
Speech Difficulties
Severe crowded teeth can interfere with proper tongue placement, impacting pronunciation and speech patterns.
Crowding Teeth Treatment Options.
Modern Orthodontics offers a wide range of treatment options for teeth crowding. Picking the right treatment for you will require determining the cause of your teeth crowding, assessing the severity, and weighing options in regards to your age and preferences. Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists provides customized treatment plans to correct crowding efficiently and comfortably. Determining which treatment course is best for you is the first step to a less crowded smile. Visit the orthodontists at Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists and decide which one is right for your teeth.
SureSmile Braces and Aligners
SureSmile uses advanced digital imaging and wire-bending technology to provide highly customized, accurate, and efficient tooth movement. More often than not, our patients experience shorter treatment times and reduced pain and discomfort compared to braces.
Traditional Braces
Metal braces remain a tried and true solution for moderate to severe teeth crowding, especially when more control over tooth movement is needed. They’re durable and effective for nearly all age groups.
Clear Aligners
Invisalign® and other clear aligner brands are a popular treatment for mild to moderate crowding. They’re discreet, removable, and easy to clean and maintain. For these reasons, many adults and teens prefer clear aligners over traditional braces.
Orthodontic Appliances
In some cases, additional appliances like palatal expanders or space maintainers may be used to create more room in the jaw or guide proper eruption of teeth in children.
Why Choose Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists?
At Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists, we bring over 45 years of experience in providing top-tier orthodontic care to patients of all ages. Our team of skilled board-certified orthodontists uses the latest technology to ensure every treatment plan is precise and personalized.
If you’re wondering how to fix crowded teeth, you’re not alone. Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists is here to align your teeth and give you the smile you deserve! We proudly serve the greater Atlanta area, including Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Buckhead, and Decatur.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Can Crowded Teeth Fix Themselves?
The short answer: No, crowded teeth can’t fix themselves. In fact, without treatment, crowding often worsens over time, especially in teens and adults. Professional orthodontic intervention is the only way to correct dental crowding effectively.
How Long Does Treatment Take for Severe Crowding?
Treatment for severe teeth crowding varies based on the method used and the individual case, but most patients can expect a treatment timeline between 18 and 30 months. Technologies like SureSmile can sometimes shorten this period due to their precision and efficiency.
Do Wisdom Teeth Cause Crowding?
While orthodontists once believed that erupting wisdom teeth caused crowding, current research suggests they do not significantly influence alignment. However, a lack of space in the oral cavity can still lead to further complications. Your orthodontist may recommend removing your wisdom teeth based on your overall dental structure and jaw size.
Can Teeth Crowding Be Prevented?
Teeth crowding can be prevented in some cases, especially in children. However, this isn’t always the case. Monitoring early dental development, addressing habits like thumb-sucking sooner rather than later, and guiding eruption with space maintainers or early orthodontic care can help prevent crowding. It’s worth noting that genetics may override all of this, and crowding may become unavoidable without more invasive treatment.
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