Crowded teeth are teeth that are very close together. It usually occurs when there is insufficient space in your mouth for all your teeth, but it can also be caused by the growth of extra teeth (hyperdontia) or a jaw that is too small to accommodate all of the adult teeth.
The problems caused by crowded teeth aren’t just aesthetic: If your teeth are not aligned properly, you are more likely to suffer from premature wear, tooth loss from unusual stresses, gum disease and jaw joint damage. Crowded teeth can make it hard to brush and floss well. If you have crowded teeth you need to put in significant effort to ensure you have good oral hygiene because crowded teeth are not as easy to clean, and can lead to gum disease, bad breath, plaque buildup and more.
Straight alignment of teeth will contribute to having a healthy smile that will last a lifetime. For help finding a local dental professional, search for a dentist near you.
Common Signs Of Crowded Teeth
If you have crowded teeth, you may experience some or all of the following:
- Gum disease
- Jaw pain
- Overlapping teeth
- Difficulty chewing
- Difficulty flossing between your teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Biting of the inside of your cheek or tongue when chewing
- Tooth decay
- Bad breath
The best way to determine if these symptoms are due to your crowded teeth is by making an appointment with your dentist. They can then review your teeth, make an accurate diagnosis, and give you their recommended treatment plan.
Common Causes Of Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth are usually caused by the following:
- Size of your teeth
- Size of your jaw
- Extra teeth
- Thumb sucking or other habits
- Genetics
- Past dental trauma
Conditions like teeth crowding can worsen other oral problems. When you don’t visit a dentist in time, it can become difficult to overcome the damage. For help finding a local dental professional, search for a dentist near you.
How And Why To Treat Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth can usually be easily fixed, especially through early intervention. Early treatment may reduce the need for major treatment later in life. Treating crowded teeth makes cleaning your teeth easier, which can result in less gum disease and decay, and fewer fillings.
Treatment for crowded teeth ranges from simple intervention with a removable appliance to years of treatment, or even removal of a tooth altogether. The type of treatment to fix your problem will depend on:
- Your oral hygiene
- The severity of your crowding
- The age at which you start treatment
- Your cooperation of appliance wear
Regardless of the course of treatment suggested for you, it is important that the underlying cause of your crooked teeth is addressed. There are several options your dentist or orthodontist can offer to address crowding, including:
- Traditional braces
- Surgery
- Retainer
- Invisalign
- Clear braces
Who Treats Crowded Teeth?
Depending on the severity of the crowding, either your orthodontist or general dentist can treat your crowded teeth. Treating crowded teeth sooner rather than later is always the best option. Talk to your dentist about when is the best time to begin treatment of crowded teeth for you or your children. To find a dental office near you, visit our locations page.