What causes crowded teeth?

Understanding what causes crowded teeth helps explain why this common dental issue affects nearly half of all 12-year-old children according to UK prevalence studies, with similar patterns observed worldwide including New Zealand. Crowded teeth develop when insufficient space exists in the jaws to accommodate all permanent teeth properly. [1] [2]

The primary cause relates to evolutionary changes in human jaw size. Our ancestors had larger, more powerful jaws capable of accommodating all teeth including wisdom teeth. Modern diets requiring less chewing have led to smaller jaw sizes over thousands of years, while tooth sizes have remained relatively constant.

Genetic factors play a significant role in determining jaw size, tooth size, and their relationship. If parents had crowded teeth, children often inherit similar spacing issues. This genetic predisposition accounts for many cases where crowding appears despite good oral habits.

Early loss of baby teeth can trigger crowding problems. When primary teeth are lost prematurely due to decay or trauma, neighboring teeth may drift into the empty space, reducing room for permanent teeth to erupt properly.

Certain childhood habits contribute to crowding development. Prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier use beyond age 3, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing can alter normal jaw development and tooth positioning.

Wisdom teeth eruption sometimes causes or worsens front tooth crowding, though this isn’t always the case. Many orthodontists evaluate whether wisdom tooth removal might prevent future crowding issues.

Late development of certain permanent teeth can also create crowding when they finally erupt into spaces that have become too small.

In Auckland, orthodontic specialists commonly treat crowding with expansion appliances in children or extraction-based treatment in adults, depending on individual circumstances.

Related Questions:

• Can crowded teeth be prevented in children? Some crowding can be prevented through early orthodontic intervention, proper oral habits, and space maintenance after premature tooth loss.
• Do wisdom teeth always cause front tooth crowding? No, wisdom teeth only cause front tooth crowding in some cases, and their removal doesn’t guarantee prevention of future crowding.
• What’s the best age to start treating crowded teeth? The ideal age to start treating crowded teeth is 7-9 years old when jaw growth can be guided and permanent teeth are emerging.

Source Links:
[1] Orthodontic treatment for crowded teeth in children – PMC
[2] Dental crowding: The role of genetics and tooth wear – PMC