Crowding of the Teeth

Crowding is the lack of adequate space for all the teeth to fit normally within the jaws. The teeth may be rotated or displaced. Crowding occurs when the total tooth mass is greater than the jaw size. Crowding is occasionally caused by early loss of primary teeth, or improper eruption of permanent teeth. Crowding should be corrected because it can:

Crowded Teeth

Before		After

How can crowding be orthodontically corrected? Extra space can be created by expansion of the dental arches, or in severe cases, by extraction of selected permanent teeth. Once space is created, braces will 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 protrusive teeth, missing or impacted teeth, or abnormal tissue attachments to the gums.

Spacing of the Teeth

Before

After

• 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 spacing of the teeth be orthodontically corrected?

The spaces can be closed by moving the teeth together and properly aligning them within the arch.