Why Crowded Teeth Can Be More Than A Cosmetic Concern
Hi, Dr. Dayanayev here from Steinway Family Dental Center. We get a lot of questions about teeth crowding, and today we're going to answer some of the most common questions we've received on this subject.
What causes crowded teeth and how does that affect your overall dental health?
First of all, what is crowding? Basically, if you put all your teeth in one line and the teeth size, the length of the teeth, the line they occupy is bigger than the jawline, then of course there is less space for all the teeth to fit. Therefore, we have crowding. It's like when a lot of people are trying to take a picture and the photographer says to squeeze closer to fit into the frame. The same thing happens with teeth. When there are more teeth than space allows, that's when we experience crowding. How does that affect overall health? When there is less space and the teeth are too tight, it's much more difficult to clean. Like cleaning a flat surface is easier than cleaning grout between tiles, where things get stuck. Teeth are not flat; they're like columns next to each other, and when they're crowded, it's challenging to keep the area clean no matter how hard you try.
What is the difference between mild, moderate, and severe crowding?
Mild crowding is when teeth are just tight but still more or less straight. Some may start to turn due to the tight space. In moderate crowding, the space is much smaller, causing the teeth to be more cramped together, leading to food retention and inflamed gums. Severe crowding needs immediate attention because it destroys the bone holding the teeth, causing decay and gum disease. Teeth in this condition won't last long, so it's better when they are straight and can breathe.
How is bottom teeth crowding different from upper teeth crowding?
Usually, people notice the upper teeth more. Most people with upper jaw crowding will notice it and seek treatment. Those with crowding on the bottom often think the tightness doesn't bother them, but they don't realize it causes stress on the bone and teeth, leading to faster damage compared to the rest of the teeth.
What are the options for fixing crowded teeth?
It's a misconception that you absolutely have to pull some teeth to fit them into your jaw. It's very rare that we resort to that. Most of the time, alignment of the teeth is sufficient. It's much faster now than what you might remember from your childhood.
Can Invisalign fix crowded teeth, or are traditional orthodontics, meaning braces, better for that?
Both can achieve the same thing. It doesn't matter which method you use to address crowding. You can use braces or Invisalign. In my opinion, braces are a more outdated treatment, though they do have their place. For example, if you have a non-compliant teenager, braces are better because they might not wear Invisalign. But for adults or responsible individuals, Invisalign is a much faster choice.
How does dental crowding impact teeth alignment or the bite?
Crowding affects alignment because if you look at someone with crowding, the bottom teeth are often not straight, and the top teeth are grounded out in a particular way. Teeth can be cut at an angle instead of being straight, leading to decay on the sides of the top teeth. Misalignment often causes more grinding at night, resulting in more damage.
What should patients expect before and after the treatment of crowded teeth?
Before treatment, you'll spend more time trying to keep everything clean, with food traps behind crowded teeth. After treatment, it will be easier to clean them. Most people smile a lot more after fixing crowding. People with crowding tend to smile with their lips closed, but after treatment, they look much happier and show their smiles more.
How long does it take to correct severe teeth crowding?
The duration depends on the severity. In some cases, correction can occur in as little as two months. If you're interested, you can schedule an appointment with us to see if you're a candidate for fast-paced treatment.
Are there specific challenges in treating lower teeth crowding?
The main challenge is patient compliance. If you're compliant, you'll achieve good results.
What happens if the crowded teeth are left untreated?
If we ignore the problem, it won't get smaller; it's only going to get bigger. Many patients have lost teeth because they haven't corrected crowding. I recommend addressing and fixing the issue rather than ignoring it.
I hope I've shed some light on this subject and that it was helpful to you. If you have any specific questions we haven't answered, please send them to us or come in, and we can look at your particular case to answer your questions directly. You can give us a call at (718) 728-3314 to request an appointment, and we can discuss your case with you directly.