Dental crowding: Treatments for its correction

Dental crowding is a condition in which the teeth are arranged irregularly in the mouth because the lack of space.

This dental abnormality can affect both the aesthetics and functionality of the mouth, and it is important to address it appropriately to prevent additional problems.

Given its importance, from our dental clinic in Malaga, Gross Dentistas, through this article, we will explore the underlying causes of dental crowding, the different types that exist and the treatments available to correct this condition.

Keep reading!

Factors that cause dental crowding

Dental crowding can be caused by several factors, and understanding them is essential to determining the appropriate treatment.

Therefore, some of the most common reasons for this anomaly are:

Size of the jaw and dental arch

Sometimes, the jaw may be too small to accommodate all of the permanent teeth. This can lead to teeth crowding as they try to occupy the limited space.

Supernumerary teeth

Likewise, the presence of extra teeth in the mouth can put pressure on the existing teeth and cause crowding.

Oral habits

On the other hand, habits such as thumb sucking, pacifier use or thumb sucking beyond childhood can influence the position of the teeth.

Premature tooth loss

Early loss of baby or permanent teeth can allow the remaining teeth to shift and stack on top of each other.

Genetics

Genetic predisposition also plays a role in dental crowding. If you have a family history of this condition, you may be at higher risk of experiencing it.

What types of dental crowding exist?

There are several types of dental crowding, and the classification depends on how the teeth are misaligned and overlapping.

• Anterior: The front teeth overlap or tilt forward.
• Posterior: The back teeth are misaligned or crowded, making chewing difficult.
• Rotational: Teeth rotate or twist on their axis, affecting appearance and oral hygiene.
• Crossbite: An upper jaw tooth is behind a lower jaw tooth.
• Horizontal: Teeth are compressed horizontally, causing overlap and discomfort.
• Vertical: Teeth overlap vertically, affecting aesthetics and bite.
• Combined: Multiple types of crowding occur in the same patient, requiring personalized treatment.

The choice of treatment will depend on the type and severity of each individual’s dental crowding.

These are the treatments to combat crooked teeth

The good news is that there are various treatment options to correct dental crowding and improve oral health and the aesthetics of your smile.

• Orthodontics: Orthodontic treatments, such as metal braces or Invisalign, are highly effective in gradually aligning teeth and correcting crowding.
• Palatal expansion: In cases where the jaw is too narrow, a palatal expansion appliance can be used to widen the dental arch and create space for the teeth.
• Tooth extraction: In severe crowding situations, it may be necessary to extract one or more teeth to create space and properly align the rest of the teeth.
• Bone grafts: In extreme cases of crowding, a bone graft may be required to increase the size of the jaw and correct the position of the teeth.

In short, dental crowding is a common condition that can have several causes and manifestations.

However, with the help of appropriate treatments and guidance from dental health professionals such us Gross Dentistas, it is possible to correct this condition and achieve a healthy and aesthetic smile.

So, if you are in Malaga and need advice on the treatment of dental crowding, do not hesitate to make an appointment.

Your smile deserves the best attention!