Learning More About Crowded Teeth and How To Fix Them
Hi, I'm Dr. Amy here at Boulder Canyon Dental, and today I'm going to go over a lot of common questions we get about crowding work.
Dr. Amy, what causes crowded teeth, and how does it affect oral health?
Crowded teeth can be caused by many factors, including genetics, anatomy, or poor oral hygiene. It affects your overall health because it makes it more difficult to clean. If you think about it, two teeth side by side are pretty easy for a toothbrush to clean.
But if they're more on top of each other, you have to do a lot more work with floss and interproximal aids to get them as clean as needed.
What is the difference between mild, moderate, and severe teeth crowding?
Mild, moderate, and severe teeth crowding refer to how close the teeth are together. A mild case may be simply one tooth sitting a little more forward than we want, while a severe case involves teeth literally on top of each other.
How does bottom teeth crowding differ from upper teeth crowding?
Bottom teeth crowding differs from upper teeth crowding in terms of health versus aesthetic goals. Most patients with crowding in their upper teeth are still able to do a good job cleaning with a normal toothbrush and floss.
However, the lower teeth are more difficult to clean even if they're perfectly straight. Therefore, we prefer to be more aggressive in straightening those out if we see moderate to severe crowding.
What are the treatment options for fixing crowded teeth?
There are many treatment options for fixing crowded teeth. Most commonly, we use orthodontics to move the teeth back into an ideal position. We may also remove a tooth if there isn't enough space.
How do braces help correct crowded teeth?
Braces help correct crowded teeth by moving the teeth into an ideal position. We use the existing space and bone to move those teeth, making it easier to access with home care aids.
Can Invisalign fix crowded teeth or is traditional orthodontic treatment better?
Invisalign can correct crowded teeth just like traditional orthodontic movement. The choice between them is more about personal preference—whether you prefer brackets for faster movement or the aesthetics of Invisalign.
How does dental crowding impact a person's bite and overall alignment?
Dental crowding can affect a person's bite and overall alignment by making the bite unbalanced and uneven. Instead of evenly dispersing chewing forces throughout all teeth, these forces may focus on two or three teeth, leading to chipping and wear over time.
What should patients expect before and after crowded teeth treatment?
Before crowded teeth treatment, patients may spend more time on their oral health routine. A two-minute brushing session might not be enough; a full three minutes may be necessary to adequately clean crowded areas.
After treatment, patients can return to a normal two-minute brushing time, and flossing becomes quicker and more comfortable.
How long does it take to correct severe crowding?
Correcting severe crowding can take anywhere from a few months to a few years, with the longest treatment typically lasting two years. The duration depends on how many teeth are crowded and the area of the mouth affected.
Are there specific challenges with treating lower teeth crowding?
When treating teeth crowding, there are no specific challenges related to the area of the mouth. It depends on how close the teeth are together and how large the jaw is to make use of the available space.
What happens if crowded teeth are left untreated?
If left untreated, crowded teeth are more susceptible to cavities and periodontal disease, all stemming from the difficulty in properly cleaning them.
If you’re searching for quality dental care, we’re here to help. Call (970) 514-0662 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is committed to keeping your smile healthy.