Crowding and Spacing
DENTAL CROWDING
Crowding results when there is not enough space in your jaw bones to accommodate all of your teeth. It can be caused by large teeth or small jaws and results in the teeth coming in extremely rotated or displaced. Crowding can be caused by improper eruption of teeth or early and late loss of baby teeth. Crowding results in a less than ideal smile and should be corrected because it can:
- Prevent proper cleaning of all the surfaces of the teeth
- Cause dental decay or cavities
- Increase the chances of gum disease
- Prevent proper functioning of teeth
- Make the smile less attractive
Treatment Options for Crowding
Extra space or additional arch length can be created by using a space maintainer, flaring of the teeth, expansion of the arches or tooth extractions. Once space is created, braces eliminate crowding and align or straighten the teeth. Correction of crowding can help prevent dental decay and periodontal disease by improving the ability to properly clean the teeth. In addition, correction of crowding results in a beautiful smile!
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DENTAL SPACING
Spacing is the opposite of crowding and results from excess of space for your teeth leading to gaps in 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, 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
- Cause food impaction with potential gum disease, pocketing and bone loss
- Make the smile less attractive
Treatment Options for Spacing
Spacing can be corrected orthodontically by moving the teeth together and properly aligning them within the arch using braces or Invisalign.