Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth are one of the most common types of malocclusion, and it is very common to see children wearing braces for this reason.
Although it is usually associated with childhood, the truth is that some adults also have crooked teeth.
Types of Crowded Teeth
There are three ways to refer to this oral health problem:
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Primary clustering
It occurs when crooked teeth are the result of genetic factors, usually because there is a family history of this type of dental malocclusion.
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Secondary crowding
This type of malocclusion is caused by poor dental habits or the premature loss of baby teeth.
In the first case, habits such as thumb-sucking or prolonged use of a pacifier can negatively affect the proper eruption of teeth.
Furthermore, if the temporary teeth fall out prematurely, they can cause the adjacent teeth to shift into their place, taking up space that would otherwise be available for the permanent tooth.
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Tertiary clustering
Sometimes, the eruption of wisdom teeth can affect the other teeth.
Generally, when these molars do not have enough space to come in, they remain trapped inside the gum and must be extracted.
Treatment of Crowded Teeth
There are differenttypes of dental crowding, which dentists classify as severe, moderate, or mild depending on the severity of the misalignment. In all cases, crowded teeth are corrected through orthodontic treatment of some kind.
In cases of severe crowding, it may be necessary to extract a tooth beforehand in order to make room for the other teeth to align properly. When this happens, dentists usually choose a premolar or a lower incisor.
In cases of both severe crowding and milder forms of the same problem, it is absolutely necessary for the patient to wear a retainer after completing orthodontic treatment, unless they want to experience the relapse of crowding that we have already discussed.
Risks of Crowded Teeth
In addition to cosmetic issues and the psychological effects they entail (lower self-esteem and self-confidence), crowded teeth also pose risks to the health of the teeth and gums.
People with crowded teeth tend to have more problems with cavities and periodontal disease, since oral hygiene is more difficult and plaque and tartar tend to build up more than on properly aligned teeth.
In addition, the enamel on a person’s crowded teeth does not wear down evenly, which can, over time, make the smile look even less harmonious and cause problems with the jaw joint.
Can overcrowding be prevented?
There are times when overcrowding cannot be avoided, especially if it is due to hereditary factors.
Similarly, when a child loses a baby tooth—for example, due to a forced extraction caused by an infection—it can be difficult to prevent the permanent teeth from erupting in the wrong position.
However, there are a number of factors that can contribute to crowded teeth, and we can prevent them starting in childhood.
Since secondary crowding is caused by unhealthy habits, parents should teach their children healthy habits, and it’s a good idea to keep an eye on them so that these behaviors can be corrected in a timely manner.
In this regard, we recommend:
- Make the transition from bottle to cup as soon as possible.
- Limit the use of pacifiers as much as possible .
- Avoid thumb-sucking.
In order to detect any malocclusion early, the first visit to the orthodontist should take place at age 6.
