Issues That Can Come from Overcrowded Teeth
Posted on 5/10/2021 by Dr. Michael Allard |
 Overcrowding is a type of malocclusion, or bite alignment issue, that occurs when there is not enough room in your mouth to accommodate all the permanent teeth properly. Overcrowded teeth are usually the result of genetics; you may have been born with a small jaw, large teeth, or extra teeth. Braces are a common way to repair overcrowded teeth, but sometimes it is necessary to extract one or two teeth in order to make room for the neighboring teeth to fully erupt and align properly. Keep reading to learn about the problems overcrowded teeth can cause if they are not repaired.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Teeth that are crooked or overlapping are difficult to clean thoroughly, especially when it comes to flossing. As a result, food particles, bacteria, and plaque can build up between the teeth and along the gum line. When this happens, you have an increased risk of developing cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Aesthetic Issues
Even mild overcrowding can lead to crooked or overlapping teeth, which may make you self-conscious about the appearance of your smile. Severe overcrowding can cause teeth to twist, protrude outwards, or be pushed back in your mouth. Repairing overcrowded teeth can improve your self-esteem and make you feel confident about your smile.
Speech Issues
When teeth protrude outwards due to overcrowding, your speech can be affected. Your teeth, lips, and tongue work together to form the different sounds that make up speech, so when teeth are twisted, crooked, or otherwise misaligned as a result of overcrowding, certain speech sounds can be difficult to pronounce.
Pain
Overcrowded teeth can cause pain in several different areas. Overcrowding affects the alignment of your bite, which means that chewing with overcrowded teeth exerts uneven pressure on your jaw. This can lead to jawbone deterioration and jaw pain. You might also experience tooth pain, neck and shoulder pain, and headaches, similar to the symptoms someone would experience from TMJ or bruxism. Finally, overcrowding can also make your teeth more susceptible to cracking. Cracked teeth are not only painful, but they are highly vulnerable to infection as well. If you have overcrowded teeth and want to discuss your treatment options, call us today.
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