[Health Column] The Importance of Crooked Teeth Correction According to a Dentist: "A Health Warning Hidden Behind Cuteness"

 

hello. Director Jae-wook Jeong of Gangnam Saero Dental Clinic no see.

Snagging teeth are often considered a charming feature or a symbol of cuteness, but many people are likely self-conscious about how they stand out when looking in the mirror. However, snagging teeth can be a hidden cause that threatens our oral health, going beyond mere cosmetic concerns. That is why dentists often recommend that you avoid neglecting them and seek orthodontic treatment.

 

Today, I will explain in a very easy and detailed manner the misconceptions about 'tooth extraction,' which many people fear most when considering adult orthodontic treatment for crowded teeth, as well as the medical reasons why you should not delay treatment!

 

 

1️⃣ Why do extra teeth form, and why is it dangerous to leave them as they are?

If extra teeth pushed out due to a lack of space in the jawbone are left untreated, they can cause cavities, periodontitis, and shorten the lifespan of the teeth.

 

🔹 Why does it happen?

 

The biggest reason for extra teeth is a lack of space for them to be aligned. If the size of the jawbone (dental arch) is small compared to the size of the teeth, teeth such as canines are pushed out of their normal alignment by the teeth that grew earlier, causing them to erupt upward or outward.

 

 

🔹 What problems will occur if left as is?

 

A breeding ground for stubborn cavities and gum disease ⚠️

No matter how hard you brush, toothbrush bristles cannot properly reach the areas where extra teeth overlap. As a result, food debris and plaque continuously accumulate, making it easy for deep cavities to form. In particular, periodontitis, which involves bone recession, progresses much faster in adulthood than in adolescence.

 

Shortened tooth lifespan and occlusal abnormalities ⚠️

If your teeth are misaligned, excessive force is concentrated on specific teeth when chewing food. This can cause microscopic cracks in the teeth or lead to jaw joint pain, eventually shortening the lifespan of your entire set of teeth.

 

If you say, "I brush my teeth diligently, but only the gums around my extra teeth frequently swell and bleed," you should definitely get checked, as periodontal disease may already be progressing.

 

 

 

2️⃣ "Do I always have to have healthy teeth extracted for crooked teeth correction?"

Modern medicine does not recommend unconditional tooth extraction and prioritizes 'non-extraction orthodontics' utilizing digital equipment.

 

By far the biggest reason many people hesitate to get braces is the worry that they might have to have their healthy teeth extracted. To start with the conclusion, methods to preserve natural teeth intact have advanced significantly in recent years.

 

 

🔸 Past correction methods

If space was insufficient, the premolars behind the canines were mechanically extracted to create space.

 

 

🔸 Recent Digital Non-Extraction Orthodontics ✨

We precisely analyze the patient's dental arch condition in three dimensions using 3D CT and oral scanners. If there is slightly insufficient space for tooth movement, we preserve natural teeth in the following ways.

 

Mini screw utilization : Shift the entire dentition backward to create space

expansion of the palace : Expand the palace sideways to create space

interdental reduction : Finely trims the spaces between teeth to straighten crooked teeth

 

 

✔️ Of course, tooth extraction may be necessary in extreme cases involving protruding teeth or severe space deficiency, but this is a matter to be decided strictly after a precise diagnosis. There is absolutely no need to delay treatment from the start due to a fear of tooth extraction!

 

3️⃣ If the device is a burden for working professionals? An aesthetic option!

With advancements in self-ligating devices and clear aligner technology, discreet and comfortable orthodontic treatment for adults is now possible.

 

I receive a lot of questions from working patients asking, "I have severe crowded teeth; is clear braces or invisible braces possible?"

 

 

🔹 Device evolution solves pain and appearance issues

 

In the past, metal braces were considered essential, but recently, 'self-ligating devices' with excellent ligation power have made it possible to correct teeth quickly while reducing pain.

 

Furthermore, with the advanced development of 'clear aligner' technology accompanied by precise digital simulation, active working adults are undergoing treatment satisfactorily while maintaining their daily lives without any visible signs of the braces.

 

 

 

4️⃣ What are the alternatives for those with mild crooked teeth or who find the duration burdensome?

If you are short on time or have frequent in-person work, 'Airnate,' which is completed in just 7 days, can be an excellent solution.

 

If the misalignment of your extra teeth is not severe and you are unable to wear the device for a long period due to important job interviews or frequent face-to-face work such as being a celebrity, model, or flight attendant, you may consider a completely different approach called 'Airnate'.

 

 

🔹 Features of Airnate Solution

This procedure involves precisely and finely refining problematic crooked teeth lines and then attaching ultra-thin ceramics tailored to the patient's smile line. Since it allows for both proper tooth alignment and teeth whitening effects in just a few days (approximately 7 days), it offers very high satisfaction to those with significant time constraints.

 

 

FAQ

 

Q1. My other teeth are aligned, but my canine tooth is sticking out significantly. Can this be resolved quickly with partial orthodontics?

 

A1. Even if there is only one visible extra tooth, in most cases, it is actually caused by a 'lack of overall tooth space.' To move the extra tooth into place, the remaining teeth must be moved to create space. If the molar occlusion is perfect and the lack of space is very slight, partial orthodontics may be possible; however, to prevent the side effect of the tooth protruding again in the future, it is much safer to proceed with full orthodontics.

 

Q2. What are the clear criteria for deciding whether to extract or not?

 

A2. The most critical criteria are the 'amount of space for the teeth' and the 'degree of lip protrusion.' If the diagnosis using 3D digital equipment reveals that the insufficient space is within 3 to 4 mm, 'non-extraction orthodontics,' which involves moving the teeth backward or widening the dental arch, is fully possible. However, if the insufficient space is significantly larger or accompanied by 'protruding lips,' premolars are extracted to induce a satisfactory change in facial appearance.

 

Q3. Is correcting crowded teeth more painful and longer than regular braces?

 

A3. During the first one to two weeks of treatment, you may experience slightly more soreness compared to conventional braces. This is because strong forces are applied to straighten teeth when wires are connected to them. However, the 'self-ligating brackets' currently in use apply a fine and consistent force continuously, significantly reducing pain. The treatment duration is also not significantly different from conventional braces when performed without extraction, and if the adult patient is cooperative, the treatment may even be completed faster than expected.

 

Q4. I really can't wear the device for several years. Can AirNate be a real alternative?

 

A4. Yes. If wearing a device for an extended period is impossible due to social activities, Airnate is an excellent alternative. While conventional orthodontics, which involves moving the roots, takes 1 to 2 years, Airnate is aesthetically designed to fit the tooth shape and is attached, completing the process in just a few days. However, if the misalignment is too severe to require root canal treatment or excessive tooth trimming, conventional orthodontics may be more advantageous; therefore, it is recommended to visit the clinic for a precise diagnosis first.

 

 

 

conclusion

 

💡 Orthodontic treatment for crowded teeth is not merely for cosmetic purposes, but is a healthy treatment that extends the lifespan of teeth by preventing cavities and periodontitis in the oral cavity.

 

As you get older, the gums around extra teeth weaken more quickly, so it is best not to delay treatment indefinitely.

 

Recently, various options are available, such as non-extraction orthodontics that preserve natural teeth, invisible clear braces, and short-term solutions like air enamel.

 

Rather than giving up in advance or just worrying, thinking, "Why get braces at this age?", I recommend that you have a thorough consultation with a skilled orthodontist to determine the best method that is most suitable for your current oral structure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Director Jeong Jae-wook of Gangnam Saero Dental Clinic

Ministry of Health and Welfare specialist in Prosthodontics

Graduated from Yonsei University College of Dentistry

Master's degree from Yonsei University Graduate School of Dentistry

Internship at Yonsei University Severance Hospital, Sinchon; completed residency in Prosthodontics.

Certified Specialist and Regular Member of the Korean Academy of Prosthodontics

Outstanding member of the Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology (KAOMI)

Regular member of the Korean Academy of Temporomandibular Joint and Occlusion

Regular member of the Korean Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry

Former Adjunct Professor, Yonsei University College of Dentistry

Formerly served as Chief Director of Yonsei Good Day Dental Clinic Yangjae Branch

Current) Board Member, Specialist Committee, and Academic Affairs Committee Member of the Korean Academy of Prosthodontics

Current Director of Academic Planning, Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology (KAOMI)

 

 

 

 

View more of Director Jung Jae-wook's expert columns >

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[Health Column] Airnate – Why Minimally Removed Laminates Allow for Reshaping Your Teeth in Just One Week

👉 If you would like to find out more details about teeth whitening and aerates from Director Jae-wook Jeong of Gangnam Saero Dental Clinic >