Orthodontic issues can affect anyone, as perfect teeth are rare in nature. Malocclusion, commonly known as a “bad bite,” can disrupt chewing, oral hygiene, speech, and overall aesthetics. These problems can be genetic or arise from habits like thumb sucking, dental disease, poor dental care, accidents, birth defects, or other medical conditions. Even minor misalignments can lead to significant functional and aesthetic concerns over time.
Understanding the specific orthodontic issue affecting you or your child is crucial for effective treatment. Identifying the root cause of these issues allows for a tailored approach to orthodontic care. Dr. Lew B. Sample and Dr. Lauren Sharp Newton offer specialized orthodontic treatments designed to correct these issues and enhance both the function and appearance of your smile.
Here are some of the most common orthodontic problems:
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
This condition affects both the appearance and function of the teeth. It is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending sufficiently, impacting the alignment of the bite. Protrusion can lead to an increased risk of dental trauma and difficulties with proper bite function.
Overbite
An overbite happens when the upper front teeth protrude too far over the lower front teeth, which can cause the lower teeth to touch the roof of the mouth. This misalignment can impact proper biting and aesthetic balance. Over time, an overbite may lead to increased wear on the lower teeth and stress on the jaw joints.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth are positioned inside the lower teeth. This misalignment can result in uneven tooth wear, gum problems, and irregular jaw growth, affecting both function and appearance. Crossbites can also cause difficulty in chewing properly and increase the risk of developing jaw pain.
Open bite
An open bite is characterized by a lack of overlap between the upper and lower front teeth. This problem can interfere with proper chewing and may lead to habits like tongue thrusting, which can further complicate the bite. Open bites can also affect speech and create challenges in achieving a comfortable bite.
Crowding
Crowding happens when there isn’t enough space for teeth to come in properly through the gums. Orthodontic expansion can often manage this issue, and in many cases, it can be fixed without needing to remove any teeth. Crowded teeth can also make it harder to maintain good oral hygiene, raising the risk of dental problems.
Spacing
Spacing problems can occur when there are gaps between teeth. This can happen due to missing teeth or as a cosmetic concern. A thorough orthodontic evaluation can help determine the most effective way to address these gaps. Issues with spacing can impact both the appearance of your smile and the alignment of the surrounding teeth.
Dental Midlines not Matched
When the dental midlines do not align properly, it can affect the overall function of the bite and jaw alignment. This misalignment may lead to issues with dental function and aesthetic harmony. An unbalanced midline can also contribute to uneven wear on the teeth and potential jaw discomfort.
Underbite
An underbite happens when the lower jaw sticks out, causing the lower front teeth to be in front of the upper front teeth. This misalignment can affect chewing and lead to jaw discomfort. An underbite could also impact the facial appearance and cause problems with proper bite alignment.
