Crowding of the Teeth
Crowding is the lack of space for all the teeth to fit normally within the jaws. The teeth may be twisted or displaced. Crowding occurs when there is disharmony in the tooth to jaw size relationship, or when the teeth are larger than the available space.
Crowding should be corrected because it can:
- prevent proper cleaning of all the surfaces of your teeth cause dental decay
- increase the chances of gum disease
- prevent proper functioning of teeth
How can crowding be orthodontically corrected?
Extra space can be created by expanding the width of the upper and lower teeth or by extraction of teeth. Once space is created, braces will eliminate the crowding and align the teeth. Correction of crowding can help prevent dental decay and periodontal disease by improving the ability to remove plaque from the teeth.
Spacing of the Teeth
Spacing, the opposite of crowding, is an excess of space for your teeth, resulting in gaps between your teeth. This generally occurs when the teeth are smaller than the available space. Spacing can also be caused by flared teeth, missing or impacted teeth, or abnormal tissue attachments to the gums.
Spacing should be corrected because it can:
- result in gum problems due to the lack of protection by the teeth
- prevent proper functioning of the teeth
- make your smile less attractive
How can orthodontics correct spacing?
The spaces can be closed by moving the teeth together with braces and properly aligning them within the arch. If extra gum tissue was the reason for the spacing, a minor surgical procedure will be necessary to keep the spaces closed.