Not the most common, but nevertheless occurring, dental defect is when the front teeth, the most important for the “smile line,” are different in length, and one is noticeably shorter than the other. Sometimes this is even more noticeable than the usual unevenness of the front teeth, leads to psychological discomfort and impaired diction, and in addition, it is fraught with dental health. After all, the load on the front incisors is uneven, which ultimately can lead to problems with loosening and loss of teeth.
What to do if your teeth are of different lengths, and how to fix it?
Causes of dental defects
Lengthening or shortening of one of the incisors is usually a congenital anomaly. This feature of dentition development is associated with genetic factors. Experts also include the following as possible causes of the problem:
- periodontitis,
- malocclusion,
- presence of supernumerary teeth,
- abnormal shape of the alveolar process,
- disruption of the process of resorption of the roots of baby teeth.
Changes in the length of the central incisor can also be a consequence of jaw trauma. If a tooth is mechanically damaged, its lower part may chip. Because of this, the appearance of the smile deteriorates, discomfort occurs when chewing, and the risk of developing various diseases increases.
Why do teeth come apart?
- due to genetic predisposition;
- if the patient has a short frenulum of the upper lip;
- due to artificial feeding of a child in infancy (using a pacifier);
- due to loss of teeth due to caries, periodontal disease;
- if the germ of an erupting tooth is located between the roots of adjacent dental units;
- for malocclusions;
- due to underdevelopment of the jaw, etc.
Note! A large gap between the crowns itself can cause malocclusion.
Possible consequences
Dental defects must be corrected in a timely manner. On chipped teeth, the enamel becomes thinner, so they quickly turn yellow and soon acquire a brown tint. In addition, the cracks are filled with plaque, which mineralizes and becomes a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria. Because of this, the risk of developing caries, pulpitis, gingivitis and periodontitis increases.
Congenital dental anomalies also lead to various problems. Let's list the main ones:
- speech dysfunction,
- formation of mouth breathing,
- uneven distribution of chewing load,
- development of gastrointestinal tract diseases.
To avoid serious health problems and maintain the integrity of the dentition, it is necessary to correct uneven incisors.
How does crowded teeth occur?
The development of clinical symptoms is due to the fact that there is not enough space on the jaw for the teeth to take the correct position. This may be due to its insufficient size, too large teeth, their excessive number, or overcompleteness. In adult patients, the development of anomalies is most often caused by pressure on the dentition of the erupting eights, which affect neighboring teeth, leading to their displacement and crowding.
Stages and symptoms of the disease
A predisposition to the development of anomalies can be identified already in early childhood by contacting an orthodontist. During the examination, the specialist will find that there is no gap between the child’s baby teeth. This sign indicates that, with a high degree of probability, there will be no room for erupting teeth in the permanent dentition. As they appear, the problem will only get worse. Timely identification of negative factors in children would help normalize the situation even at the stage of primary occlusion. However, specialists very often encounter the fact that even with congenital prerequisites, patients turn to a specialist only during the period when the permanent dentition is fully formed and clinical signs are evident.
The anomaly is characterized by varying degrees of severity, which determines clinical symptoms and possible complications. The degree of development of pathological signs also affects treatment tactics, as well as prognosis. Depending on the symptoms of dental crowding , there are 3 degrees of damage.
- A mild degree of anomaly is characterized by minimal changes in the position of 1-2 teeth in the dentition. For them to take the correct position, only 2-3 mm are missing. The problem does not apply to the remaining teeth; they occupy a clearly defined place;
- With a moderate degree of anomaly, the problem also affects only single teeth. They are rotated around their axis, shifted relative to the dentition, and can be tilted. Their displacement corresponds to 5-6 mm;
- In the case of a severe anomaly, its manifestations are clearly visible to others. The aesthetics of the smile are compromised due to deformation of the dentition ; some teeth are pushed out of the dentition. The shape of the arc appears to be changed.
The main disadvantage caused by the anomaly is that crowding of teeth leads to deterioration in the aesthetics of the dentition. This is especially noticeable with severe damage. However, this problem is not the only one.
With this position of the teeth, the possibilities for high-quality cleaning procedures are noticeably deteriorated. The prerequisites will be created for the formation of plaque, which will affect the change in the shade of the enamel, manifest as tartar deposits, and the presence of bad breath. Lack of proper hygiene will lead to the development of other diseases of the dental system and the appearance of additional symptoms. In addition, incorrect position of the teeth can contribute to injury to the mucous membranes. Symptoms will be supplemented by such manifestations as bleeding, inflammatory or erosive process.
Possible complications if left untreated
Crowding of teeth is dangerous not only due to aesthetic problems. Lack of proper care contributes to the deposition of plaque and, as a result, the development of caries and various periodontal diseases. At the same time, the pathological process often begins in hard-to-reach places, interdental spaces, which complicates its diagnosis by visual methods. Such patients turn to specialists already in the presence of pronounced signs of caries or its complications. Late treatment is dangerous because during treatment it is not always possible to save the tooth.
Insufficient oral hygiene and plaque deposits contribute to the activity of pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity with the development of gingivitis, periodontitis and periodontal disease. If treatment is delayed or the measures taken are incorrect, the consequences of violations may be increased mobility of teeth, and even their loss.
Is treatment necessary?
The choice of treatment tactics for crowded teeth depends on the degree of development of the anomaly. However, experts are unanimous in the opinion that correction is necessary even with minimal aesthetic disturbances that are hardly noticeable during articulation. If you ignore orthodontic treatment, there is a risk of developing dental pathology due to insufficient preventive measures.
The consequence of the caries process and tooth loss can be disruption of the functioning of the temporomandibular joint, difficulty chewing food and the development of gastrointestinal disorders. Improper closure of the dentition is one of the possible causes of headaches and insomnia. Due to the unevenness of the load, such a predisposing factor will contribute to the rapid wear of the teeth that are most involved in chewing movements.
Treatment methods for crowded teeth: Daimon Q braces, aligners, plates, separation and extraction
The choice of the optimal correction technique is determined based on the results of the diagnostics performed, which makes it possible to clarify the volume and condition of the bone tissue, the position of each tooth, and its parameters. The most popular are orthopantomogram, teleroentgenogram and computed tomography. Based on the results obtained, a treatment plan is drawn up.
Treatment of crowded teeth should begin as early as possible, especially if the cause of the presence of pathological signs is insufficient development of the jaw. An anomaly caused by jaw characteristics is more difficult to correct, especially when contacting specialists late, when the bones are fully formed. Orthodontic devices such as removable plates, dental trainers , activators, palatal expanders will be effective only in children, since their jaw bones are still in the developmental stage and are better amenable to correction.
By the age of 12, wisdom teeth begin to form: their rudiments can be diagnosed through x-ray studies. The further action plan is based on this factor. If it becomes clear that there is not enough space for the development of eights, a decision will be made to remove them in an unerupted state.
Moreover, in adult patients, not only eights are removed. The need for tooth extraction is also due to factors such as supernumerary and macrodentia. In addition to eights, it is often necessary to remove fours or fives. By removing 2 teeth, you will be able to free up about 6 mm of additional space. This will create the prerequisites for straightening the dental arch. To increase the effectiveness of the result and force the teeth to move in the desired direction, braces or aligners are subsequently used in adult patients.
In addition to the use of orthodontic systems, other treatment options are used. One of them is separation, that is, grinding the contact surfaces of permanent teeth. During such an event, specialists use a bur to remove about 0.5 mm of the contact surface of the tooth. Having received additional space, the prerequisites for teeth straightening appear. As in every orthodontic technique, in this case the professional skills of the specialist are extremely important. When excessive amounts of tooth tissue are sanded off, it becomes sensitive to the effects of negative factors. This is accompanied by unpleasant sensations, and too thin a layer of enamel increases the prerequisites for the development of the carious process.
Treatment of crowded teeth in adults
In adults, treating crowded teeth in the lower jaw is a more common procedure than correcting the same anomaly in the upper jaw. The choice of treatment tactics in this case is made depending on the severity of clinical signs, as well as the factors that contributed to the development of the anomaly. Since most often the problem lies in the dystopic position of the eights, which has a negative impact on other teeth in the row, their removal is the initial stage of orthodontic correction. With macrodentia, extraction may also affect other teeth. Some improvement in the situation is also achieved by tissue separation.
Minor imperfections can be hidden by installing ceramic onlays and veneers. To ensure a strong fixation, in this case it will be necessary to slightly grind down the front surface of the tooth. This procedure falls under the competence of an orthopedic dentist. However, in this case we are not talking about correcting an orthodontic disorder, but only about leveling out aesthetic deficiencies.
In adults, dental crowding in the lower jaw is most often treated with braces. The same approach is taken as a basis for the development of anomalies in the upper jaw. Braces systems are non-removable orthodontic devices that are installed for the entire period of corrective measures. The main element in them are clasps that are fixed to the tooth surface, and a durable metal arch. It is its elasticity and the desire to take its original position that contribute to the movement of teeth. Fastening the arch to the locks is ensured using ligatures, rubber bands and wire, or by means of a special device that fixes the clips mounted in the lock. Such technical features determine some features of the functioning of the devices.
Treatment methods with and without braces
If teeth are crowded, treatment without braces is also possible in adults. An alternative is to use aligners. These removable mouthguards are made in strict accordance with individual parameters. By firmly installing on the dentition and causing pressure on it, they contribute to the displacement of teeth in a given direction. The patient wears the system for two weeks. After that, he changes it to the next model, which is slightly different in its physical dimensions. This treatment differs from braces in that it remains invisible to others.
High-tech production of aligners allows you to create ultra-thin and completely transparent models. They are invisible on the teeth, so the correction process is highly aesthetic. The ability to remove aligners as needed and ease of care make it possible to completely prevent damage to tooth enamel and make treatment safe.
Braces, aligners and plates
Treatment with braces has been carried out for half a century. Over the years, the technical characteristics of the locks have changed significantly; models have appeared in which there are no ligatures that secure the arch. Significant changes affected the possible design of braces and the material used to make clasps.
At the same time, the demand for aligners for teeth straightening is due to their high efficiency, almost comparable to braces, and excellent aesthetic properties. Patients who are interested in the treatment being invisible to others and who have the financial means to carry it out with the help of aligners, choose such systems.
As for the expansion plates, their action is aimed at gradually leveling the jaw row through systematic pressure on it. The functioning of this design is ensured by the elasticity of the plate, fastening screws and a spring, and fixation on the teeth is carried out using hooks. Despite the fact that the effectiveness of the systems is due to individual manufacturing, their use is more relevant in adolescents until the jaw bone is fully formed.
Crowding and wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth are the last to appear, by the age of 20-25, when the bone tissue is formed and has reached its maximum density, so their eruption is often difficult. They can rest against the bone or adjacent teeth, putting pressure on them and displacing them. There is often no place left for them due to evolutionary processes.
The combination of all these factors leads to the fact that the eruption of wisdom teeth is accompanied by pericoronitis, up to abscess and phlegmon, resorption of the root of the adjacent tooth, as well as crowding of teeth. You can identify the problem in advance by contacting a specialist and carrying out appropriate diagnostics. Already on the basis of a panoramic image, it will be possible to determine all the negative factors associated with the eruption of figure eights, and prescribe additional studies and corrective measures.
When should you see a doctor?
Dentist help is necessary if one of the incisors is in a high or low position. In children, this defect can disappear without any intervention when replacing milk teeth with molars. If different lengths of the front teeth persist despite a fully formed bite, you should consult a doctor.
You should also contact a specialist:
- when the enamel darkens,
- increased sensitivity of teeth,
- acute toothache,
- cutter mobility,
- formation of a sharp cutting edge.
The dentist will conduct an examination, determine the cause of the problem and help solve the problem.
Types of distances between teeth
- Trema between teeth - spaces between dental units, with the exception of incisors. In this case, the pathology may not bother the patient for a long time, but it will be determined by the dentist during the examination;
- Diastema is a gap between the upper and lower incisors, which can lead to problems with pronunciation and speech in general, as well as with the aesthetics of the smile.
The distance between the front incisors, if it is not pathological, may not be treated. The most famous owners of diastemas are Vanessa Paradis, Madonna, Katy Perry and many others.
Methods for correcting front teeth of different lengths
Discrepancy in the coronal height of the central incisors can be corrected in several ways.
- Filling. Photopolymer restoration is the most affordable method of restoring the optimal length of teeth. Using composite material, you can build up the missing part of the crown.
- Wearing braces. Orthodontic treatment allows you to eliminate various defects in the dentition, including shortening and lengthening of one of the incisors.
- Installation of veneers. Ceramic or porcelain onlays replace the outer layer of teeth and provide the desired length. You can choose plates of a natural shade or snow-white.
When choosing an appropriate correction method, it is necessary to take into account the degree of deviation of the tooth height from the norm and the characteristics of the bite.
Why do you need to get rid of pathology?
Due to the rotation, the cutting part of the tooth constantly injures the mucous membranes of the cheeks and lips. In this regard, patients often suffer from recurrent stomatitis. They develop trema or diastema and have trouble biting food. Therefore, the teeth must be returned to their natural position, and this should be done as early as possible.
- Tortoanomaly usually occurs in childhood. If a child regularly visits the dentist, the pathology will be detected in a timely manner and quickly eliminated. At the milk stage and at the beginning of the formation of a mixed bite, when the jaw bones are still developing, it will not be difficult to rotate the tooth so that it takes its normal position.
- In an adult with an already formed dental system, turning around will take a lot of time. Moreover, depending on the degree of development of the pathology, even surgical intervention may be required.
What will be the consequences if the gap between the teeth is not corrected?
Will the child face consequences if the gap between the teeth is not corrected? It is impossible to answer unequivocally. During the consultation, the dentist will assess the degree of development of the diastema and correlate this with a number of other factors. However, it is impossible to accurately predict the consequences. The gap may not manifest itself in any way throughout life, but serious consequences cannot be ruled out. The diastema can expand and cause problems with bite and diction. If your child is already burring, then it makes sense to work on eliminating the diastema instead of trying to solve the diction problem with a speech therapist.
With age, the load on teeth increases, especially if they are incorrectly positioned in a row. This easily leads to caries and can cause periodontitis. An incorrect bite often results in teeth that are loose, painful, worn down, and at risk for infection and inflammation.
Therefore, in order to protect your child from frequent visits to the clinic in the future, take care of the position of his teeth today.
