Of all the tooth problems one could ever suffer from, dental overcrowding is one of the most unpleasant. It interferes with dental hygiene, and left untreated for too long, could diminish your oral health and lead to other ailments. It can also cause low self-esteem, chewing difficulty, and other issues.
Dental crowding is more challenging to treat the older you get, so now’s the best time to fix it. You can treat dental crowding using Invisalign or braces.
What is dental crowding?
Dental crowding is a condition where teeth compete for mouth space, grow improperly, and, consequently, are misaligned and twisted. A well-aligned set of teeth has just the right amount of space between each tooth, allowing them to grow without crowding or leaving huge gaps.
Cases of dental crowding can be one of the following:
Mild: This involves a single tooth twisted the wrong way
Moderate: This involves two or three of the anterior teeth of either jaw overlapping
Severe: This involves several teeth overlapping across both the upper and lower rows of teeth.
What causes dental crowding?
Some of the causes of dental crowding include the following:
An overly small jaw
Overlarge teeth, leading to inability to fit in the jaw comfortably
Large teeth and small jaw
Narrow palate
Too many teeth
Over-retained baby teeth
Genetics
Can dental crowding cause pain?
If your case is mild, it will only be uncomfortable and not cause severe pain. However, in serious issues with obvious gaps and malocclusions, it can cause pain. Furthermore, it can lead to improper jaw alignment, a precursor to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ).
Some people also feel pain in the area between their crowded teeth due to food particles getting stuck between them. This can be particularly painful when eating hard or crunchy foods such as candy or nuts.
Treatment options for dental crowding
Dental crowding can be treated using the following:
Veneers and crowns
Where the dental crowding is minor, veneers and crowns can be used to reshape teeth and improve their appearance. They can also correct mild teeth alignment and fill in gaps between teeth.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces. However, they’re installed on the side of the teeth. Lingual braces are ideal if you’re concerned about the obviousness of traditional braces.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are a great option if you have a moderate or mild case of dental crowding. They are virtually invisible and can be worn every time, whether while eating or sleeping.
Traditional metal braces
These braces correct dental crowding by using metal brackets attached to each tooth joined by metal arches. Over time, the braces exert continuous pressure on the tooth until they straighten.
Dentofacial orthopedics
In more severe cases, headgear and palatal expanders can be used to guide bone growth properly. Kids are often the best candidates for receiving dentofacial orthopedic therapy.
Get a straight, beautiful smile with the best orthodontic treatment in New Jersey
People suffering from dental crowding are often very conscious of it and may even avoid smiling in public places.
If you have a case of dental crowding, consider getting a treatment not only for cosmetic reasons but also for your overall dental and general health. Book an appointment today to get the straight, sweet smile you deserve!