What Are Crowded Teeth? | How Is It Treated?

In an ideal alignment of teeth, there is the right amount of space for the teeth to erupt without crowding or leaving gaps. The top teeth should hang slightly over the bottom teeth, with all the teeth lining up comfortably when biting down, however, this does not occur with dental crowding. Dental crowding is a type of misalignment that occurs when the mouth does not have enough space for all teeth to properly erupt, causing teeth to be twisted and misaligned. Instead of erupting in their correct positions, the teeth will find the quickest way to erupt, even if this interferes with the path of another erupting tooth. This can lead to a crooked, crowded smile with teeth erupting from the sides of the gums, on top of other teeth, and even pushing two or more teeth together.

What Causes Dental Crowding?

Dental crowding can be caused by a number of factors, however, genetics is typically the main cause. Some causes may result in only one twisted tooth while others may cause an entire row of teeth to grow in improperly. Other factors that can cause dental crowding include:

• Losing baby teeth prematurely
• Extra adult teeth
• Abnormal tooth growth
• Unusually large teeth

What Are The Signs Of Dental Crowding?

If you are not sure if your teeth are crowded or if you are concerned about your child’s teeth, there are a few signs you can look for to assess whether there is an issue with crowding and if treatment will be necessary:

• Tooth discomfort when biting
• Crooked teeth set at unnatural angles in your mouth
• Teeth overlapping each other
• Crossbite
• Excessive overjet
• Jaw pain
• Trouble biting or chewing
• Difficulty brushing and flossing
• Bleeding gums when flossing
  

What Oral Issues Are Caused By Dental Crowding?

The most significant issue with dental crowding is poor oral hygiene. Crowded teeth are much harder to clean properly, which increases bacterial growth and plaque buildup. This can not only impact your oral health but your general health too. Oral health issues related to dental crowding include:

• Cavities
• Gum/periodontal disease
• Aching teeth
• Low self-esteem
• Issues with chewing, biting, and speaking
• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)

The Dental Association of Orthodontists recommends bringing children to see an orthodontist by age 7. While children may not need to begin treatment right away, our orthodontist will monitor the growth pattern of their teeth, and will make an intervention plan if necessary. The best way to prevent dental crowding is to prevent it in the first place. It is important to know that is it never too late to treat dental crowding as our office treats patients of all ages.