Crowding and Spacing Correction

Crowding and spacing issues cause their own sets of problems. A variety of dental services can remedy these issues, restoring your teeth to their optimal position and preventing problems further down the line.

Crowding Of Teeth

Crowding is when there isn’t enough room within the jaws for all the teeth to fit normally. The teeth may be twisted or displaced. Crowding happens when the size of the teeth doesn’t match the size of the jaw or when the teeth are larger than the space available. Crowding can be caused by the loss of baby teeth too early or too late or by teeth coming in the wrong way.

If the crowding within the mouth is severe, an expander may be the ideal treatment choice, allowing the jaw to widen and creating more space in the mouth. For minor cases of crowding, metal braces or clear aligners do a wonderful job of slowly readjusting the teeth and creating more space.

digital model of overcrowded teeth

Spacing Of Teeth

Spacing of the teeth is the opposite of crowding. It means that there is too much space between your teeth, which makes gaps. This usually happens when the teeth are too small for the space. Spacing can also be caused by teeth that stick out, missing or stuck teeth, or abnormal attachments of gum tissue to the gums. Braces and clear aligners are the most popular treatment options for spacing.

If you or your child are dealing with crowding or spacing issues, contact us today to see what may be the best treatment option for you.

 

digital diagram of over-spaced teeth

  • How are crowded teeth corrected?

    Most of the time, braces or clear aligners are the treatment of choice. In very mild cases of overcrowding, a fixed or removable retainer may be enough to fix the problem. In moderate cases, veneers are sometimes used. When the problem is severe, a dental expanding device may be needed. There are also times when a tooth is pulled out to make more room for the rest of the teeth.

  • What are some causes of spacing issues?

    There are many different factors when it comes to spacing issues.

    • Natural skeletal development
    • Extra teeth which push other teeth out of the correct position
    • Missing teeth which creates large gaps
    • Losing baby teeth too young so the adult teeth come in misaligned
    • Small teeth don't take up the proper amount of room
    • Large jawbone creates too much room for teeth and causes gaps
    • Too large of tongue which can cause the teeth to flare and creates spaces

More Questions?

If you have more questions about your options regarding crowding and spacing correction in Bergen County, give us a call or request an appointment today!

Montvale Orthodontics

305 W Grand Ave, Suite 600
Montvale, NJ 07645
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Hours

Monday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (every other week)

Phone

201-746-9910

Email Address

[email protected]