Crowded teeth
Crowded teeth occur when there isn’t enough space in your mouth for all your teeth. This causes your teeth to overlap each other, which is sometimes known as overcrowding.
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Crowded teeth can vary in severity from mild, where one or two teeth overlap each other, to severe, where most of the teeth in your jaw overlap.
Can crowded teeth cause problems?
You may choose to have crowded teeth corrected because of the way they look. They can affect your confidence, particularly if the crowding is prominent. But they can also cause oral health problems.
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Crowded teeth can be difficult to clean because of the way they overlap. If you can’t brush and floss between the gaps in your teeth, food can get stuck, causing a build-up of harmful bacteria called plaque. If this continues, it can cause tooth decay, gum disease and sometimes toothache.
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Crowding generally gets worse as you age and causes more oral health complications as you get older. So, although it’s never too late to get your teeth straightened, it’s best to correct them as early as you can.
What causes crowded teeth?
Crowded teeth are common and can be caused by several factors including:
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Genetics: you can naturally be born with a jaw that’s too small for your teeth, or teeth that are too small for your jaw
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Permanent teeth not coming through correctly
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Losing a baby tooth too early, which can cause other teeth to move into the gap
How do I know if I have crowded teeth?
Your orthodontist will be able to advise you, but you may have crowded teeth if you:
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Can visibly see your teeth overlapping one another
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Struggle to floss between your teeth
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Have difficulty chewing
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Frequently bite your tongue or the inside of your cheek by mistake
How can you correct crowded teeth?
Orthodontic treatment is the only way to fix crowded teeth, so you should see an orthodontist if you’re interested in having them straightened.
Your orthodontist may discuss the following options with you: