Overcrowded teeth can not only make a smile crooked but also lead to oral health issues. Fortunately, several treatments are available, including dental surgery, to resolve this condition. Learn more about overcrowded teeth and your treatment options below.

What Causes Overcrowded Teeth?

For some individuals, overcrowding is a genetic condition. The mouth may become crowded because the size of the upper and lower jaw or teeth don’t match, affecting teeth alignment and bite pattern.

Having an atypical number of teeth can also result in overcrowding, which is why many people get their wisdom teeth taken out. 

In other cases, health and lifestyle factors play a role. For example, children who suck their thumbs or use a pacifier after age 3 may be more prone to having an overcrowded mouth. Injury that results in a misaligned jaw as well as mouth tumors can also result in malocclusion.

How Can This Condition Be Treated?

Which treatment is right for you is a decision you should make with your dentist. Treatment may include simple in-office procedures or more involved surgeries, depending on the cause of overcrowding. 

Braces are popular. The brackets and wires work to gradually shift your teeth over time.

Aligners work similarly. These clear trays slip over your teeth to shift them. They’re less visible than braces and can be removed when eating and brushing.

Dental surgery may be the best option for some patients. Tooth extraction can remove extra teeth, such as wisdom teeth, that are causing problems.

Dental implants may be recommended in cases when extreme overcrowding can’t be fixed with other measures. The misaligned tooth will be removed and replaced with an implant. 

In situations where the shape or size of your jaw is the cause, jaw surgery can be a solution. Bone grafts use a piece of bone from another part of your body and place it in the jaw to mold the shape, size, and spacing. 

If you’re concerned about overcrowded teeth, schedule a consultation with the Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska, serving the Anchorage area. Their board-certified surgeons address overcrowding issues with effective outpatient procedures like wisdom tooth removal, bone grafts, jaw surgery, and dental implants. To schedule an appointment, call (907) 561-1430, or learn more about their dental surgery services on the website.