Overcrowded Teeth in Teens

Teeth in a teenager's mouth can appear to protrude or grow in at an angle instead of straight up. Overcrowded teeth aren't just a cosmetic concern. They can make it more difficult to properly brush and floss, which can lead to oral disease. Overcrowding can be fixed by an orthodontist, who can adjust jaw alignment and correct the positioning of the teeth.

  1. Main Cause

    • The primary reason for overcrowded teeth is that the jaw is too small for the incoming teeth. As teeth come up through the gums, they push other teeth out of alignment or emerge crooked. According to MedlinePlus, the condition is usually hereditary, which means that if one child has overcrowding, it's likely that her siblings will also.

    Concerns

    • Malocclusion is the medical term used for misaligned teeth. Overbites and underbites are types of malocclusion. According to MedlinePlus, moderate to severe malocclusion increases the risk of tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontitis when left untreated. It also places additional strain on the teeth, jaw and muscles.

    Correction

    • Overcrowding can be corrected by an orthodontist, who will take x-rays of the mouth and determine a plan of action based on her analysis. Braces might be necessary in some cases. An orthodontist may also need to re-shape or remove other teeth to make space for the new ones coming up through the gums. Overcrowding is easier to correct when the condition is addressed early in life. Braces typically need to be on the teeth for a period ranging from 6 months to 2 years, but in severe cases, they may need to remain longer than that.

    Prevention

    • Prevention of malocclusion is not usually possible, especially in cases when the jaw is too small and the condition is genetic. Behaviors such as thumb sucking or using a pacifier or bottle for too long can cause or worsen malocclusion in children. If overcrowding appears to be an issue, It is crucial that your teen see her dentist, who may upon examination recommend a consultation with an orthodontist.

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