Crowding and Spacing Teeth
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 also be caused by improper eruption of teeth and early or late loss of primary teeth. To discuss crowding and the spacing of teeth, please feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment.
Crowding should be corrected because it can:
- prevent proper cleaning of all the surfaces of your teeth
- hasten dental decay
- increase the chances of gum disease and bone loss
- prevent proper functioning of teeth leading to clenching and grinding
- make your smile less attractive
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How can crowding be orthodontically corrected?
Extra space can be created by expansion of the arches or extraction of teeth. Once space is created, braces will be used to eliminate crowding, close any spaces created by expansion or extractions, 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 which results 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, impacted teeth or abnormal tissue attachments to the gums.
Spacing should be corrected because it can:
- prevent proper functioning of the teeth leading to clenching and grinding
- make your smile less attractive
- cause premature wear of teeth
- cause asymmetric alignment of the teeth
- leave unwanted spaces
- lead to gum disease or periodontal bone loss and possibly adjacent tooth loss
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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.
We are here to make your and your child’s orthodontic experience as comfortable and successful as possible. Please give Dr. Ziaja a call at 586-247-6453 or our contact us page for more information and to set up a FREE orthodontic examination where we can discuss how to Create the Magic of Your Smile!