Tooth Crowding: The Traffic Jam You Never Asked For

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW…

Crowding isn’t just bad for the subway…

What are crowded teeth?

Tooth crowding, or dental crowding, happens when there’s not enough room in your mouth for all your teeth to fit nicely. This can make your teeth look crooked or overlap each other. 

It’s like trying to fit too many puzzle pieces into a small space!

Having crowded teeth isn’t just about looks – it can cause real problems! Crowded teeth can make it harder to chew properly and can even cause pain. 

They can also make it tricky to clean between your teeth, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. 

Plus, crowded teeth can affect how you feel about yourself and your smile.

Causes of Crowded Teeth

Crowded teeth can be caused by different things. Sometimes, it’s because your jaw is too small for your teeth, or your teeth are too big for your mouth. Other causes can be:

• Mis-shaped teeth
• Extra teeth
• Baby teeth falling out too early or too late and not having the space maintained 
• The improper eruption of a tooth or teeth 
• A tumor, cleft lip or palate 
• Use of a pacifier or bottle for too long or thumb sucking (big one for us parents) 
• Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders*
  OMD’s are abnormal movement patterns of the face and mouth, an example would be tongue thrusting

Why It Is Important to Fix Crowding

Fixing crowded teeth isn’t just about getting a prettier smile – it’s about taking care of your health too! 

• Straightening your teeth can help prevent or reduce pain while chewing
• Make it easier to clean your teeth lowering your risk for decay or gum disease
• Prevent uneven wearing of your teeth
• Misalignment of teeth can cause imbalances in your bite which often lead to jaw, neck and back tension, over time this buildup of tension can become pain
• Early treatment of tooth crowding, as teens or even as kids, will help minimize the amount of treatment needed later

Plus, it can boost your confidence and make you feel better about your smile!

Treatment Options for Crowding

There are several ways to fix crowded teeth, depending on the severity of the crowding and individual preferences. Here are some common treatment options:

• Invisalign: Using clear, removable aligners that move teeth into the desired position.
• Traditional Braces: Metal or ceramic brackets and wires that apply directed pressure to align teeth over time.
• Tooth Extraction: In severe cases of crowding, removing one or more teeth may be necessary to create space for proper alignment.
• Palatal Expansion: Widening the upper jaw to create more room for teeth to straighten, often used in conjunction with other treatments.
• It is also very important to stop habits that may have contributed or caused the crowding in the first place, like thumb sucking or Myofunctional Disorder.

Can Invisalign Help my Crowding?

Yes, Invisalign can be a great option for fixing crowded teeth! With Invisalign, you wear clear aligners that gradually move your teeth into the right position. 

They’re comfortable, easy to use, and hardly noticeable – so you can straighten your teeth without anyone even knowing!

How Invisalign Works for Crowded Teeth

At Semidey Dental, embarking on your Invisalign journey with our experienced Invisalign providers, Dr. Alex and Dr. Sara, starts with your comprehensive consultation including a 3D digital scan of your teeth and smile. 

Together, we’ll craft a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, using cutting-edge technology we will visualize the transformation of your smile at your consultation. 

Throughout the process, you’ll wear a series of discreet, clear aligners, each designed to gradually guide your teeth into their ideal positions. See more about how the process works on our Invisalign page.

Getting Started with Invisalign

Ready to bid farewell to crowded teeth? If  you’re in the Davie/Cooper City area reach out to us to schedule a consultation here and begin your Invisalign journey with confidence, knowing you’re on your way to a straighter, healthier smile under the expert care of our dedicated team. 

We’ve helped hundreds of your neighbors reach their smile goals and we sincerely look forward to being a part of your journey as well!

Don’t let crowded teeth hold you back – with Invisalign, you can straighten your smile and move forward with confidence!

*American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders. https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/orofacial-myofunctional-disorders/ (Accessed: 6/27/23)