An orthodontics problem that involves too many teeth developing in a space that is inadequate in size. Overcrowded teeth may overlap each other and become difficult to clean properly. For this reason, the condition may lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Dental overcrowding can also produce irregularities in the bite. Overcrowding may be hereditary. It is sometimes associated with fetal alcohol syndrome. Overcrowding of permanent teeth can be the result of premature loss of primary teeth. The permanent molars drift into the spaces vacated by lost primary molars. The result is a lack of space for the permanent bicuspids, which are supposed to emerge in front of the first molars.
Crowding of the teeth occurs when there is an excessive amount of teeth that prevents them from aligning properly within the jaw and assuming their regular positions.
Dental overcrowding is often hereditary and can result from teeth being too large for the jaw or the jaw being too small to hold the teeth adequately. Early loss of primary molar teeth can also contribute to or worsen overcrowding by causing the permanent teeth to shift and crowd the teeth forward.
Crowded teeth can result in malocclusion, which is an abnormal alignment between the upper and lower teeth. Additionally, they might obstruct the eruption of specific teeth through the gum. Cleaning these teeth can be challenging, raising the likelihood of dental decay and periodontal disease.
Extractions of teeth might be necessary to create space for other teeth or for aesthetic purposes. Typically, an orthodontic device is attached to the remaining teeth until they achieve the proper alignment.