ORTHODONTICS

Crowding & Spacing of Teeth

Classification of Teeth Overview

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Classification of Teeth
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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 can be caused by early or late loss of primary teeth, or improper eruption of teeth.

Crowding should be corrected because it can:

  • prevent proper cleaning of all the surfaces of your teeth
  • increase the risk of gum disease or tooth decay if crowding affects oral hygiene
  • prevent proper functioning of teeth
  • make your smile less attractive

How can crowding be orthodontically corrected?

Expansion of the arches or extraction of teeth can create extra space. Once space is created, braces will eliminate 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. One of the advantages of early treatment is that it will greatly reduce or eliminate the risk of extracting 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 teeth or impacted teeth or abnormal tissue attachments to the gums.

Spacing should be corrected because it can:

  • 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.