Around 57% of Americans cover their mouths when they laugh, which shows how many of us are self-conscious about our teeth.
Overcrowded teeth can cause an array of problems, from making it harder to maintain good oral hygiene to causing excessive wear and tear. Because of this, patients must get their overcrowded teeth fixed to avoid further issues. Maybe you’re currently in this position and you want to learn the main solutions.
Sounds like you? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Here are the most common options for fixing overcrowded teeth.
Metal Braces
A popular way of fixing overcrowded teeth is with metal braces. Brackets are attached to the tooth’s surface to gradually realign crooked teeth and prevent overcrowding. The only downside is that these are obvious, which often deters adults.
Aligners
Patients after a discreet solution should choose clear aligners. Companies like Invisalign produce clear retainers that fit snugly over your teeth and can easily be removed when you’re eating. A major bonus is that these are effective for fixing overcrowded teeth and require fewer visits to your local orthodontist.
Retainers
Similar options to aligners are retainers. Your orthodontist will give you the option between removable or fixed, depending on your preference. Note, these are far more affordable than metal braces and need little maintenance.
Teeth Removal
Overcrowding often occurs because the patient has extra teeth. To prevent issues, dentists will suggest removing teeth, so that there’s enough room for others. This solution is most common with younger children who still have their baby teeth as it’s an effective preventative measure.
Jaw Widening
Although this is less common, dentists may recommend children undergo a jaw-widening procedure. This is where orthodontists use a device to shift the jaw into the right position so that overcrowding is impossible.
If you’re eager to get started, find a local orthodontist and they will suggest treatment that aligns with your needs.
Cosmetic Recontouring
Another effective solution is cosmetic recontouring. During this treatment, each tooth is reshaped until they easily fit together. Note, it’s a non-invasive procedure and is most effective for patients who have minor overcrowding issues.
Porcelain or Composite Veneers
Your orthodontist may also suggest veneers if you have crooked or overcrowded teeth. Patients can either choose between a composite or porcelain cover, which is then fixed onto the tooth’s surface. But this is more of an aesthetic solution compared to others on this list.
And, in a similar vein, patients can consider getting a crown to fix overcrowded teeth. The only problem is that healthy teeth must be removed for it to work, which isn’t ideal for a majority of cases.
Fix Overcrowded Teeth Today
Hopefully, you’re now an expert on fixing overcrowded teeth.
There are many ways to solve overcrowding, such as wearing aligners or metal braces if you don’t mind their appearance. Patients can also opt for teeth removal or even retainers for a hassle-free solution. Which will you choose?
To get the best treatment for your situation, this dentist who does dental implants and periodontics in Greeneville highly recommends visiting a dental expert for a consultation.
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