Common Orthodontic Issues

IRREGULARITIES IN TEETH

Addressing Orthodontic Problems

Orthodontics address the irregularities in teeth and jaw alignment. Children, teenagers and adults alike can greatly benefit from addressing the below issues to help improve their quality of life and function of their bite. If possible, these common orthodontic problems in children should be addressed as quickly as possible. This can help avoid speech impairment, jaw pain, chewing issues and even more costly dental work down the road.

Underbite

An underbite is when the lower jaw extends or protrudes forward, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper teeth.

Overbite

Condition in which the upper front teeth extend out over the lower front teeth. This can cause the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.

Crossbite

When one or more of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of the outside. This may cause tooth stratification and misaligned jaw.

Spacing

Spacing or gaps, also known as diastema, are a common dental issue. Spacing may be due to varying reasons. Some issues include small or undersized teeth in comparison to the jaw bone, missing teeth or an oversized labial frenum. Reasons to fix can be simply cosmetic or necessary for proper bite alignment.

Openbite

The upper and lower front teeth do not overlap when the back teeth are clenched. Openbite may be caused by a number of unwanted habits, such as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking. Chewing and speech are negatively affected.

Upper Front Teeth Protrusion

Upper teeth protrude or extend too far forward and/or the lower teeth do not extend far enough. The appearance and function of teeth are impacted by this type of bite. Upper front teeth are also more vulnerable to injury.

Dental Midlines not Matched

When the line between the two upper front teeth and the two lower front teeth don’t line up, the back bite is often off causing major issues the function of the jaw and teeth.

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