Overcrowding

Overcrowding occurs when there is a mismatch between the size of the jaw and the size of the teeth. The size of each tooth combined is larger than the arch length of the jaw, which causes the teeth to become misaligned or overcrowded. However, there is no need to panic; teeth overcrowding and misalignment can be corrected through overcrowded teeth treatment and misaligned teeth treatment, respectively.

What is overcrowding?

Overcrowding occurs when there is a mismatch between the size of the jaw and the size of the teeth. The size of each tooth combined is larger than the arch length of the jaw, which causes the teeth to become misaligned or overcrowded. The teeth that erupt later, erupt out of position as there isn’t enough room to come in normally. Some teeth may get blocked out by the other teeth and not erupt at all for lack of space. Overcrowding disrupts the visual harmony of the teeth. Stains can accumulate in areas that are hard to brush and clean. Plaque and tartar are sometimes difficult to access and clean. Tooth decay follows and is more difficult to treat because of poor access. The bite will be uneven and irregular.

Common causes of overcrowding or misaligned teeth

  • Frequent use of a pacifier after the age of 3.
  • Prolonged use of bottle feeding in early childhood.
  • Thumb sucking in early childhood.
  • Poor dental care that results in improperly fitting dental fillings, crowns, or braces.

Prevention and treatment

Some cases of overcrowding are hereditary and cannot be prevented.

Regular early dental care allows the dentist to note any tendency to overcrowding and treat or refer for an orthodontic opinion about overcrowded teeth treatment where necessary.

Taking good care of the primary dentition (baby) teeth and having them regularly checked and maintained will help the dentist monitor the eruption of the teeth and advise if it appears that overcrowding may occur.

Baby teeth act as space maintainers and guide the underlying permanent teeth into the correct position.

This space maintenance and guidance of the permanent teeth is lost if baby teeth are lost early. When the permanent tooth begins to erupt, its space is gone, overcrowding results.

If you would like more information on the spacing in your teeth, misaligned teeth treatment and overcrowded teeth treatment services, get a Teledentistry.com online dental consultation now, and one of our online dentists will provide you with real-time online advice on how best to approach your dental condition.

Commonly Asked Questions

Overcrowding occurs when there is a mismatch between the size of the jaw and the size of the teeth.
Overcrowding disrupts the visual harmony of the teeth. Stains can accumulate in areas that are hard to brush and clean, resulting in plaque and tartar that are sometimes difficult to access and clean.
The cost of treating overcrowded teeth is not over the roof as many people assume. Please check out our pricing page here to book your virtual appointment with Tele Dentistry today.
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