Common Orthodontic Problems

The way that our teeth bite down not only presents its functionality, but also, it affects our oral health. Our teeth are not naturally perfect and without proper treatment, it can cause problems with oral hygiene and chewing in the future. The most common orthodontic problem is called malocclusion or a “bad bite.” In most cases, a bad bite can be genetic, but there are other factors that can contribute to this problem such as finger-sucking, dental disease, poor dental hygiene, early or late loss of baby teeth, or accidents.

As a result, it is important to correct any dental issues early on to prevent damage to the teeth and gums. Here are some common orthodontic problem that you should watch out for:

Underbite

An underbite is characterized by the lower jaw extending out, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth.

Overbite

An overbite is when the upper front teeth extend out over the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth. Problems with an overbite include protruding lips, “gummy” smile, and excessive incisor wear.

Crossbite

The upper teeth sits inside the lower teeth, which may cause tooth stratification and misaligned jaw growth. The lower jaw will move forward or to the side in order to close the mouth.

Openbite

Proper chewing is impacted by this type of bite, in which the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. Openbite may cause a number of unwanted habits such as tongue thrusting.

Upper Front Teeth Protrusion

The appearance and function of your teeth are impacted by this type of bite. It is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending far enough forward.

Spacing

Spacing problems may be caused by missing teeth or they may only be a cosmetic or aesthetic issue. Braces is a popular treatment for correcting spaced teeth.

Crowding

Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gum. Crowding can often be corrected by expansion, and many times, tooth removal can be avoided.

Midlines

This type of problem is caused when the back bite does not fit and match appropriately, which may negatively impact jaw and proper dental function.

Schedule An Appointment With Dr. Taddeo

Orthodontic problems affect everyone, so it is best to stop by and schedule an appointment with our Waterford Lakes orthodontist for a check-up. Our various treatment options can help you correct any dental issues before serious damage can occur. Call us today or fill out our online appointment form to see our experienced orthodontist, Dr. Ross Taddeo.