Orthodontic treatment of crowded teeth

Teeth crowding is a situation where there is not enough space for the teeth to fit correctly, so that teeth may bunch up, overlap, and twist. Teeth crowding occurs by the discrepancy between the size of teeth and jaws. If teeth are too larger than jaws, they cannot fit into the available space causing a discrepancy between teeth and jaws and thereby the teeth’ misalignment.
The premature (or late) loss of milk teeth is among the causes of crowded teeth leading to the improper eruption and growth of permanent teeth. For example, if a milk tooth falls out prematurely, a gap is formed between adjacent teeth allowing them to lean towards the right or the left. As a result, permanent teeth will have no choice but to grow in a crooked position.

Complications of crowded teeth

Teeth crowding is a common abnormality both in children and adults. The orthodontic treatment of teeth crowding in childhood can prevent many more advanced and severe problems in adulthood. First of all, the aesthetic complications of crowded teeth can be noted. Crowded and malpositioned teeth cannot bring an attractive smile and a standard smile design.

Crowded teeth can also cause problems other than aesthetic issues. The gap between crowded teeth makes cleaning them very difficult. Crooked and malpositioned teeth increase the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease. Crowded teeth can sometimes damage teeth at night as they are not in a good position at rest. This can, in turn, damage teeth and cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

The best treatment for crowded teeth

The treatment of crowded teeth can guarantee oral health. If an experienced and skilled orthodontist corrects crowded teeth, one can enjoy an attractive smile and healthy teeth and gums. Most clients with crowded teeth are usually referred to an orthodontist. Based on the client’s conditions and his/her unique requirements, the orthodontist will plan the client’s best orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics, either fixed or removable, is the most common and best treatment for crowded teeth. As you know, removable orthodontic appliances can be removed from the client’s mouth whenever necessary. However, orthodontists usually recommend clients use fixed orthodontic appliances to achieve the desired result and be relieved of the need to repeat some procedures in the future.
In fixed orthodontics, brackets and archwires are attached to teeth to apply controlled pressure to teeth and gradually change their position. To treat crowded teeth, orthodontists may also use special appliances to change the dental arch’s shape to properly fit all teeth. An important point that should be taken into account before orthodontic treatments is to maintain good oral health. Patients with crowded teeth should visit a dentist to check and treat all possible dental caries or periodontal disease before the orthodontic treatment of crowded teeth.

Candidates for orthodontic treatment of crowded teeth

Orthodontics is usually performed for individuals with crowded and crooked teeth or dental overjet. Children aged under eight years are not good candidates for the orthodontic treatment of crowded teeth because their permanent teeth are not long enough. Do not ignore your children’s crowded teeth at any age; visit an orthodontist to get more information on the correct treatment process. You can take your child to Dr. Jamilian’s specialized orthodontic clinic to diagnose and estimate the initial cost of crowded teeth’ orthodontic treatment. You can receive all these services for free in the examination session.

Orthodontic treatment of crowded teeth FAQ

1-What should we do for crowded and malpositionedteeth?

People with crowded and malpositioned teeth usually have lower self-confidence. Teeth crowding is widely and easily treated by fixed orthodontics. A skilled orthodontist can guide you to undergo the best treatment.

2-Is it possible to treat crowded teeth with orthodontics?

To correct crowded teeth and prevent subsequent problems, the orthodontist can provide more space for the rest of the teeth by widening the dental arch or extracting some teeth. This allows the orthodontist to use the best techniques to align and level teeth.

3-Why should we treat crowded and crooked teeth as soon as possible?

The early treatment of crowded teeth can relieve the client of the need for more complicated or surgical treatments in the future. By eliminating insufficient space and teeth compaction, less pressure will be applied to the TMJ. The treatment of such malocclusions reduces the risk of gingival infections and tooth decay. Moreover, the alignment of teeth can increase the client’s self-confidence.

4-What is the best age for the treatment of crowded teeth?

The best time for the orthodontic treatment of crowded teeth in children is before puberty. This condition can be treated more successfully by using less invasive and expensive methods before puberty.

5-What are the causes of crowded teeth?

Most crowded teeth cases are caused by insufficient space for the appropriate placement of teeth on the jaw. Besides, crowded teeth may occur because of the discrepancy between teeth and jaws (i.e., teeth are too large and the jaw is too small). The premature or even the late loss of milk teeth is another cause of crowded teeth.

6-What are the complicationsof crowded teeth?

The structure of the jawbone can be affected by teeth that cannot easily rotate or function properly. Moreover, crowded teeth are more difficultly cleaned and thus are more exposed to tooth decay or periodontal disease. Crowded teeth can also reduce the beauty of the smile.