Crowding is the lack of adequate space for all the teeth to fit normally within the jaws. The teeth may be rotated or displaced.

Crowding occurs when the total tooth mass is greater than the jaw size.Crowding is occasionally caused by early loss of primary teeth, or improper eruption of permanent teeth.

Crowding should be corrected because it can:

• prevent proper cleaning of all the surfaces of your teeth
• cause dental decay
• increase the chances of gum disease
• prevent proper functioning of teeth
• make your smile less attractive

Before	After

How can crowding be orthodontically corrected?

Extra space can be created by expansion of the dental arches, or in severe cases, by extraction of selected permanent teeth. Once space is created, braces will align the teeth. Correction of crowding can help prevent dental decay and periodontal disease by improving the ability to remove plaque from the teeth.