Do you think you have crowded teeth? How to fix crowded teeth? There are a couple of different things you should know about this condition. Everyone wants to have a perfect smile, but this often means that you will need to look for a crowded teeth treatment.
One of the first things to understand is that there are different types of teeth misalignment. In some cases, clear braces can help, and they will be able to help you have a perfect smile. But even if clear ceramic braces can’t help, there are still other viable solutions.
What Does It Mean?
If you are unfamiliar with the term crowded teeth, it refers to dental malposition. And there are many different reasons why it might happen to someone. Naturally, it is not an instantaneous process, and it takes time.
In the majority of cases, teeth become crowded when there isn’t enough space in the jaw. They aren’t able to fit the jaw, and they are forced to grow turned or misaligned. And as you can probably guess, it usually happens with children while deciduous teeth are growing.
However, it is still something that can happen to adults as well. Obviously, the first issue with crowded teeth will be aesthetic. They won’t look as beautiful as perfectly lined teeth, but it is just the beginning of problems.
Overcrowded teeth can also lead to tooth decay, headaches, and so much more. And this is why it is crucial to address the problem as soon as possible. Many people believe that overcrowding can only affect the front teeth, but it is not true.
What Causes Crowded Teeth?
The next thing to discuss is the cause of crooked teeth. And in the majority of cases, the problem is in the size. So, let’s start with the jaw. If a jaw is too small, teeth won’t have enough space to line up properly. And they will start growing on top of one another.
Besides the jaw size, teeth can be a problem too. Even if the size of the jaw is normal, it is not rare for teeth to be too big to fit it. And in this case, having straight teeth without any dental intervention can be challenging.
Naturally, there is also a combination of large teeth and a small jaw, which is an obvious issue. The next thing on the list is patients with a narrow palate and those with too many teeth.
Finally, some people have damaged or broken teeth and other teeth around them might start to shift. All of these can lead to bite problems, gum diseases, and other dental problems. With baby teeth, the problem is not as significant since they will get replaced with permanent teeth.
Is There a Way To Prevent It
Many dentists suggest that thumb sucking can lead to deformities in the jaw, and it can be one of the reasons for crooked teeth later on in life. And one way you can avoid this is to stop your child from putting constant pressure on the gums.
Now, this doesn’t mean that pacifiers, bottles, and thumb-sucking is bad. It is something that should be avoided at a later age. Oral hygiene will also play an important role, as well as genetics.
It is great if you can find out more about your family history, but in some cases, it might be out of your hands. Keep in mind that prevention is always better than correction, and it is essential for you to focus on oral health.
Naturally, adults won’t be able to change their previous habits. And if you already have overcrowded teeth, the only thing you can do is talk to your dentist and see what your options are.
Can You Fix It
The short answer is yes. And there are multiple different approaches to the issue. But the first question is what caused it in the first place. The dentist will need to assess the situation before they can suggest a treatment.
So, let’s start with the simple procedures. For mild cases, where the overlap is not as significant, and there is less than 3 millimeters difference, veneers can be helpful. Additionally, you can go for traditional braces or clear aligners.
These can be quite helpful for mild cases, and they won’t require a lot of work. For moderate and severe cases of dental crowding, aligners might not be enough, and you will need to go for metal braces.
In these cases, it is also possible that you will need to go for orthodontic treatment and additional procedures. Some people will need to get a few teeth removed so others can line up properly.
There are many different types of braces you can find, including retainers, surgeries, and so on. And each person is unique. So, the doctor will be able to recommend a treatment that will be the best for you.
What To Do
The best course of action is to talk to your dentist. They will be able to assess the situation and propose the best treatment option for your specific case. They will also tell you whether aligners are a good option, or if the condition is too severe for them to be helpful.
You should also focus on oral hygiene, brush and floss regularly, and do everything in your power to avoid making the situation worse. The treatment will also depend on age, whether the jaw is too small, the size of the teeth, and so on.
And there is no universal solution that can apply to every single patient. The sooner you address the problem, the easier it will be for the dentist to find a solution. Finally, you should be persistent. Whether you go for aligners or braces, you will need to be patient.
The process can be long, but it is worth the time. And it is the only way to solve the problem.