3 Problems With Dental Crowding
Hi, I’m Dr Michael Cai, the principal dentist of Pitt St Dental Centre here in Sydney CBD.
Last week, I met a new patient Joseph from Walsh Bay. He came in for a dental checkup and clean. During our consultation, he told me that he’s got crowded teeth, but it’s not really bothering him. He said to me, “Hey Michael, I’ve had crowded teeth for years. They don’t hurt or anything, are there any problems with actually having crowded teeth?”
We get this question all the time. So I thought I’ll make this quick video, sharing with you what I shared with him.
Apart from the cosmetic issue, crowded or crooked teeth, in some cases, can increase your risk of getting gum disease, because it does create difficulties in oral hygiene. Food tends to get caught easier, but it is harder to remove them. This increases plaque build up, When it is left there overtime, it can cause dental decay and gum disease.
Sometimes there’s also an increased risk of gum recession with misaligned of the teeth. Because the roots of the teeth are not in an ideal position, sometimes the gums in front of roots become very thin and they can shrink around those teeth.
When the gum shrinks, it means that the teeth become less stable. There’s less support on the teeth, which increases the chance of the teeth having mobility, which can lead to teeth loss.
Another problem crowded teeth can cause is when your bite comes together, the forces on the teeth are not even, so you get differential wear on the teeth. So over time, some teeth will wear out quicker compared to others.
For the teeth that are worn down, if the enamel is worn away, the dentin is exposed, and it can cause sensitivity and pain. In very severe cases, it can even lead to root canal problems.
So in summary, even though it is not painful to have crowded teeth, in the long run, if left untreated, it can create problems such as gum disease because it’s hard to clean. It could mean that certain teeth wear faster, which could lead to root canal issues. And finally, in severe cases, your gum could recess over time, which increases the risk of tooth mobility.
I hope this video gave you a sense of the potential risks of having misaligned teeth. If this is you, and you want to improve our smile, we would love to look after you.
Here at Pitt St Dental Centre, we offer a full range of orthodontic treatments, including both braces and Invisalign clear aligners.
Simply call us on 02 9223 4767, complete the form on our website, or send us a DM on social media, and we’ll help you organise a smile consultation. See you in the next video.
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The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional personal diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read or seen on the Site.
Services We Mentioned:
Invisalign
Root Canal Therapy
Cosmetic Dentistry
Orthodontic Braces
Initial Consultation
Comprehensive Examination & Dental Hygiene
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Kristen K.
I have been going to Dr Cai for almost two years and each time I visit he and the staff are so lovely and professional. I cannot recommend them enough.
Nikki J.
Best dentists I have ever been to. I even travelled to Pitt Street Dental when we lived interstate to see them. Very capable, thoughtful and kind dentists and team.