Treatment Options For Dental Crowding

Dental crowding refers to when your teeth are too close together or overlap one another. It often occurs in people who have had teeth extracted and have not replaced them with dental implants. When you have missing teeth, your other teeth can shift out of place, causing overcrowding. If you are suffering from dental crowding, talk to your dentist about the following treatment options.

More Frequent Checkups And Teeth Cleaning Appointments

Because dental crowding makes it difficult for you to clean all the surfaces of your teeth, you may be more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. Some people who have severe tooth crowding are unable to slide dental floss in between their teeth, which can lead to bacterial and plaque buildup.

Dentists often recommend more frequent professional cleanings to help remove plaque and hardened calculus that can accumulate under your gum line and in between your teeth. Your dentist may also recommend that you use an antimicrobial mouthwash during your oral hygiene routine to help reduce the bacterial count in between your teeth and under your gums.

In addition to having your teeth cleaned more regularly, seeing your dentist for more frequent checkups will also help detect crowding-related problems earlier when they are more treatable. If your dentist is unable to visualize all the surfaces of your teeth because of overcrowding, they may take X-rays to help identify hidden areas of decay. When early dental decay is recognized and treated quickly, it is less likely to progress.

Orthodontic Treatment

Severe dental crowding not only raises your risk for cavities and periodontal disease, but it can also cause jaw pain, headaches, chewing problems, and an uneven bite. If you experience any of these symptoms as a result of overcrowding, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist for further treatment. Orthodontists are dentists who specialize in dental misalignments and crooked teeth, often treating these conditions with braces.

Braces will help reposition your teeth so that they are spaced appropriately. However, it is important to note that before your orthodontist puts your braces on, you may need to have a couple of your back teeth extracted. After your braces have been removed, you may need to wear a retainer when you sleep so that your teeth do not shift and become overcrowded again.

If you have dental crowding, consider the above treatment options and see your dentist. When crowding is treated appropriately, you may be less likely to develop cavities, gingivitis, and pain, and you may also enjoy the benefits of having a more beautiful smile.