COMPOSITION & TOOTH SPACES

TOOTH CROWDING

Crowding is the lack of space required for all the teeth to fit properly in the jaw.
The teeth may be in a crooked or shifted position.
Crowding occurs when there is a mismatch in the size relationship of the teeth to the jaws or when the teeth are larger than the available space.
Crowding can also be caused by ectopic dissection of permanent teeth or premature or delayed shedding of deciduous teeth. The overcrowding must be corrected because:

• makes it difficult to clean all surfaces of your teeth properly
• increases the likelihood of dental caries
• increases the chances of gingivitis and periodontitis
• prevents the good functioning of the teeth
• Makes your smile less attractive

TOOTH SPACES

Spaces between teeth are caused by excess space (the opposite of crowding) resulting in gaps between your teeth.
This generally occurs when teeth are smaller than the available space.
Gaps can also be caused by protruding teeth, missing teeth, impacted teeth or abnormal tissue attachments to the gums (ectopic calculus). Spaces must be corrected because they can:

• lead to gum problems due to lack of protection from the teeth
• impede the proper functioning of the teeth
• make your smile less attractive