Ideally, when our permanent teeth arrive, there would be plenty of room to accommodate them. However, it’s very common for teeth to come in crowded and overlapping each other. Crowding can be minor or severe, and treatment is often recommended. Whether it’s orthodontic treatment to move the teeth into better position or cosmetic dentistry to improve the look of the mouth, cosmetic dentistry services can help.
Problems Caused by Crowded Teeth
Crowded, overlapping teeth are more than just a cosmetic concern. When teeth are crowded, they are moved out of their proper position. This leads to misalignment, which can cause a number of problems over time. Properly aligned teeth fit together to provide optimum pressure and function for biting and chewing. Misaligned teeth do not mesh properly, which can lead to:
- Premature wear and tear
- Clenching and grinding
- Misalignment of the jaw joint
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Eventual tooth loss
Correcting crowded teeth can help reduce the likelihood of these complications. In most cases, your dentist will notice these problems before the permanent teeth come in. X-rays and regular examinations help diagnose these problems so treatment can begin as soon as possible.
Treatment for Crowded Teeth
If teeth are severely crowded, orthodontic treatment will probably be necessary. Treatment can begin before the permanent teeth arrive, and can include widening the palate and guiding teeth as they emerge so they take the correct position in the mouth. Traditional braces or alignment trays might also be used after the teeth emerge. This treatment often last several months—even as long as a year or two—but is highly effective.
If crowding is not serious, but only detracts from the look of your smile, cosmetic dentistry might be the only recommended treatment. Veneers are an effective and non-invasive treatment that can help disguise slight crowding, minor misalignment, or small gaps between the teeth. Veneers are relatively simple to place and are constructed of materials that closely resemble natural enamel. With this type of basic cosmetic dentistry, the aesthetic effects of crowded teeth can be easily remedied.
If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry services, contact the office of Dr. Samuel Jirik today to schedule an appointment.
