To determine whether your teeth are crowded, you can use dental floss. If floss is very difficult to slide between teeth, your teeth may be crowded too closely together.
Many things can cause crooked or crowded teeth. For some people, their bones are simply too small to contain all their teeth properly, which causes teeth to shift and crowd together. This usually happens due to genetic heritage, meaning that in most cases we inherit the upper jaw from one of our parents and the lower jaw from the other parent. Other people may experience crowding once their wisdom teeth grow in making the front teeth look crooked as their roots and bone support is weaker than one of the back teeth.
Upper teeth that extend past the lower teeth when you bite down covering more than half of their visible surface result in an overbite. Lower teeth that extend past the upper teeth when you bite down result in an underbite. There is also another case when you bite down and your lower front teeth do not touch the upper front teeth leaving a sagittal space called over jet. Upper teeth that are positioned improperly inside the lower teeth result in a crossbite, which can lead to facial asymmetry if not corrected. [3] X Research source
Misaligned bites may also cause difficulty in chewing, which can lead to sore jaws and even gastrointestinal discomfort. Misalignment in your jaws can cause tight and strained muscles, which can lead to frequent headaches. Excessive overbites can cause your lower front teeth to damage the gum tissue on the roof of your mouth making chewing very painful.
Bite misalignment and malocclusion (teeth that are crooked and/or crowded) are the most common medical reasons to get braces.
Adults may need to wear braces longer than young children and teens. Additionally, because adult facial bones have stopped growing and are much more mineralized, braces cannot correct some conditions in adults (such as sleep apnea) that they can in children. Twelve to 20 months may seem like a long time, but try to focus on the outcome and how good it will feel to have straight teeth. [7] X Expert Source Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFELicensed Dentist Expert Interview. 11 May 2021.
Some health insurance plans in the United States do not cover braces. Check with your health insurance provider about your dental coverage and out-of-pocket expenses. Get quotes from different orthodontists before making your decision. Some orthodontists offer braces for cheaper than others. [9] X Expert Source Lewis Chen, DDS, FICOI, FIADFELicensed Dentist Expert Interview. 11 May 2021.
Your dentist may also be able to refer you to a reliable orthodontist in your area, and he or she can also prepare your case before the treatment starts if you need fillings, extractions, or fixing any other dental problems.
Your dentist can also tell if your teeth are overcrowded or just a little tight.
Standard metal braces are usually the least expensive and most effective option. However, some people may feel self-conscious about having very conspicuous braces. Clear ceramic braces fit on the front of the teeth just like metal braces, but are less conspicuous. They are slightly less effective than metal braces and are also more prone to staining and breaking. They also generally cost more than metal braces. Invisible braces are totally different than traditional braces. The most common type of invisible brace is Invisalign. Invisalign braces are a series of customized aligners that are worn to gradually shift teeth into place. Because you need to get multiple sets of aligners made to gradually move your teeth, Invisalign braces are the most expensive option and have limited indications as the effects can’t be compared to regular braces because they generate different types of forces. They also do not work well for bite issues. [12] X Research source
For some people, braces may cause some loss of length in tooth roots. While this almost never presents problems, it may in some cases cause unstable teeth. If your teeth have been previously damaged, such as by a physical trauma or accident, the tooth movement caused by braces may cause tooth discoloration or irritation in the tooth nerve. Failure to follow your orthodontist’s instructions may cause your braces not to correct your teeth properly. It may also result in some loss of correction after your braces come off.
Be aware that it is much more difficult to clean teeth properly when you are wearing braces, particularly metal or clear ceramic braces that are bonded to your teeth.
