Crowding and widening are orthodontics terms that describe certain misaligned teeth. They relate to the spatial arrangement of the teeth in the jaw and can cause both aesthetic and functional problems.
Crowding:
Crowding occurs when there is insufficient space in one jaw for all teeth. This causes the teeth to become crowded, overlap, or grow irregularly. Crowding is one of the most common dental misalignments and can have various causes: genetic factors, premature loss of milk teeth or poor oral habits.
Consequences of the crowding:
Crowded teeth can make oral hygiene difficult because the narrow position prevents all tooth surfaces from being thoroughly cleaned. This increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, crowding can lead to chewing problems, uneven strain on the jaw joints and aesthetic impairments.
Long distance:
In contrast, a wide stance refers to a situation with too much space in the jaw. This creates more significant gaps between the teeth. Like crowding, crowding can also be caused by genetic factors, tooth loss or certain developmental disorders.
Consequences of being far away:
Crowding can also affect oral hygiene because food particles can more easily get stuck in the gaps between the teeth. Aesthetically, the gaps can be perceived as disturbing, leading to functional restrictions when chewing.
Treatment options:
Crowding and overbite are usually treated orthodontically. These include braces, aligners (clear splints) or jaw surgery in more complex cases. The aim is to bring the teeth into a functionally and aesthetically optimal position and thus improve the health of the entire chewing system.
