Crowding of teeth, or malocclusion, is common and caused by childhood factors. Orthodontic appliances are the most common treatment, with surgery reserved for extreme cases. Invisalign and tooth-colored braces are less invasive options, while surgery corrects malformed bones. Prognosis is positive with treatment.
There are several methods to treat crowding of teeth. Crowding of teeth, also known as malocclusion, is a common medical condition. Orthodontic appliances, usually applied in adolescence, are the most common treatment. Surgery is performed only in the most extreme cases. Regardless of the treatment an individual receives, their prognosis will be positive.
Malocclusion describes both poorly positioned teeth and crowded teeth. Present in most people, the condition is caused by a number of factors that occur during childhood development; thumb sucking, nail biting, and mouth breathing are just a few examples. It is nearly impossible to prevent the condition from occurring. The condition becomes evident when the permanent teeth take the place of the baby teeth. Observing this condition during a routine cleaning, a dentist will recommend a teenager see an orthodontist.
An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in correcting many forms of malocclusions. As with many medical specialties, it takes years of extra training to become an orthodontist. An orthodontist will generally recommend that a teenager wear braces to correct his or her teeth. Regular braces use wire and brackets to gradually reposition the teeth to a more desirable environment. The normal time to wear the braces is one to two years.
While braces are an option for adults diagnosed with this condition, there are other less invasive and obvious treatments. A slightly more expensive option than regular braces is tooth-colored braces. These braces don’t stand out and are a good option for anyone who might feel uncomfortable wearing them as an adult.
A non-invasive and unnoticeable treatment for tooth crowding is the Invisalign system. A patient wears a set of clear, removable aligners that gradually reposition the teeth over a two-year period. In addition to being the most aesthetically appealing option, a person can remove aligners while drinking, eating, and brushing their teeth. However, following the rules of treatment is very important, as aligners only work if kept in the mouth for 22 hours a day. One downside to this treatment is that most insurance plans don’t cover its extremely high cost.
In cases where the bones that anchor the teeth are malformed, surgery becomes necessary to correct the crowding of the teeth. Surgery involves a cut in the lower jaw, or mandible, and repositioning the bone into the correct alignment. Nerve damage is a possible complication in addition to other complications that can occur after any surgery. A full recovery is always expected if a patient follows the instructions for post-surgical care.
Even if a patient has to undergo surgery to correct the condition, the prognosis is always good. Braces and Invisalign create a permanent and desired result in the vast majority of cases. While the expense may be high for some treatments, the cost of doing nothing is even greater. Crowded or misaligned teeth can lead to multiple cavities and inflammation over time. No matter what form it takes, prevention will provide the best outcome.
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