Crowded teeth are a form of misalignment. Persons with this alignment issue have crooked teeth that overlap each other. Also known as overcrowding or dental crowding, this orthodontic problem is majorly caused by inadequate space. If there is not enough space for all of the teeth, they tend to grow through the path of least resistance. This can cause teeth crowding problems.

Frequent causes of crowded teeth

Overcrowding can be a result of the following reasons:

• A jaw that is too small
• Teeth that are larger and can’t fit comfortably in the jaw
• A combination of large teeth and a small jaw
• A narrow palate
• Having extra or too many teeth
• Shifting of teeth around a broken or missing tooth gap

Categories of crowded teeth

The severity of dental crowding varies from person to person. A patient’s jaw size and how many teeth they have are key determinants. We can cluster it into:

• Mild Crowding – one anterior tooth in the upper or lower jaw is slightly rotated.
• Moderate Crowding – two to three anterior teeth overlap in the upper or lower jaw.
• Severe Crowding – most anterior teeth in the upper or lower jaw overlap.

Problems associated with crowded teeth

Teeth crowding can make it difficult to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

How?

With crowded teeth, it can be difficult to brush and floss regularly and effectively. This alone can make a person more vulnerable to gum disease and bleeding gums. Although not so prominent, teeth crowding can also cause uneven wear or chipping of the teeth.

Aesthetically, teeth crowding can make one be so conscious of their smile which may negatively impact his or her confidence and personality.

Treatment for dental crowding

One cannot treat crowded teeth at home. A visit to an orthodontic specialist is very necessary to review the case and settle on the best treatment option that will deliver great results. Dental braces are the most common treatment option for overcrowding. At Parkview Dental Centre, we recommend braces treatment for both children and adults for aesthetic and functional reasons. Braces not only improve smiles but also realign the jaws for a healthy bite.