Can Crowded Teeth Get Worse?

Crowded teeth are a common problem that is easily remedied with orthodontic treatment. Patients who have crowded teeth often have a hard time brushing and flossing well and are at risk of developing periodontal disease. Crowded teeth are often just a result of genetics and not having enough room in your mouth for your teeth to come in straight. Baby teeth make a path for the adult teeth to come through, so children who use a pacifier or suck their thumb for a very long time can have some issues with crowding when their adult teeth come in.

Can crowded teeth get worse?

Teeth tend to stay in their original position once they fully come in, but as adolescents get older, the wisdom teeth can come into play. Most people do not have enough space in their mouths to accommodate four extra molars, so when wisdom teeth start to erupt, they can push on neighboring teeth and cause crowding to worsen.

This is why a lot of parents choose to have their child’s wisdom teeth removed either before starting orthodontic treatment or following closely after completion of orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, is a great way to straighten teeth at any age.

How are crowded teeth corrected?

Both braces and aligners are used to slowly turn and shift teeth into proper alignment. When the teeth are lined up well, the upper teeth fit down onto the lower teeth, overlapping slightly, so that the edges of the front teeth do not hit one another. Some adult patients who do not want to go through braces may be candidates for clear aligners (like Invisalign).

Clear aligner therapy is a series of hard, plastic trays that fit over all of the teeth on both the upper and lower arches. The trays fit very tightly and are designed to shift your teeth just a little with each new set. One set of trays is typically worn for about 14 days before advancing to the next set. The number of trays that you have over the course of treatment will depend on the complexity of your crowding.

Another option that some patients may be candidates for is porcelain veneers. Veneers are typically a cosmetic treatment used to improve the appearance of teeth, but they can also be used as a way to completely makeover your smile. When veneers are applied, the teeth have to be trimmed down to allow space for the new restoration. If your teeth are not severely crowded, veneers are a great option to improve your smile.

Patients who have severe crowding may need to go through orthodontic treatment, even if that is not the preferred option. Orthodontics is beneficial to the overall health of your mouth, including the gum tissue and underlying bone.

If you have crowded teeth that are difficult to keep clean and healthy, speak with your dentist to see if you are a candidate for either braces or veneers. The health of your mouth has a big impact on your overall health, so it is important to maintain your smile.

Related Article: Can Crowded Teeth Fall Out?