When a person’s teeth or jaws do not fit together properly, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct the problem. If left untreated, these orthodontic problems, often referred to as malocclusions, can cause speech difficulty, premature wear of the teeth and protective enamel, and may even increase the chance of injury to the teeth and jaw joints.

Underbite

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

Crossbite

This malocclusion occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which may cause tooth wear and misaligned jaw growth. In order to close the mouth, patients usually move their lower jaw forward or to the side when closing. This incorrect bite results in an improper use of the lower jaws and sometimes brings about facial asymmetry.

Protruding Front Teeth

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

Overbite

Overbite occurs when the upper front teeth bite too far over the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth. Problems often associated with an overbite include a “gummy” smile and excessive incisor wear.

Crowding

Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gums, and is the most common reason for orthodontic treatment. Not only is crowding unattractive, it has also been linked to later periodontal problems and dental decay because it is harder to clean the surface of overlapping teeth.

Spacing

Spacing problems may be caused by missing teeth, or they may only be a cosmetic or aesthetic issue. Spacing is another popular reason for braces. The opposite of crowding, spacing is most commonly caused by excessive jaw room for the size of the erupting teeth.

Openbite

Proper chewing is impacted by this type of bite where the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. Open bite may cause a number of unwanted habits, such as tongue thrusting or thumb sucking. An early evaluation and intervention are essential in correcting an open bite.

Dental Midlines not Matched

Dental midlines that do not match are evident when the back bite does not fit and match appropriately. This may negatively impact jaw function and proper dental function.
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