Common Orthodontic Problems
It is very rare to have straight teeth naturally. Orthodontic issues, known collectively as malocclusion, can affect how your teeth function, how they look, and even how easy they are to clean.
Malocclusion can be caused by many factors, such as genetics, habits including thumb sucking, and dental injury. Here are some of the most common orthodontic problems we treat:
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
Sometimes referred to as “buck teeth”, this happens when the upper front teeth stick out too far or the lower teeth don’t come forward enough. This can affect both the appearance of your smile and how your teeth work when biting or chewing.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap too far vertically over the lower front teeth. In more severe cases, the lower teeth may even bite into the roof of the mouth, which can cause discomfort and wear over time.
Crossbite
A crossbite happens when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth. This can occur at the front or sides of the mouth and may lead to uneven jaw growth and wear on the teeth.
Underbite
In this case, the lower jaw sits forward, causing the bottom front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth. An underbite can affect chewing and jaw alignment and may lead to increased wear of the upper front teeth.
Open Bite
If the upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed, it’s known as an open bite. This can make chewing difficult and is often linked to habits like tongue thrusting or thumb sucking.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gum.
Spacing
Too much space between teeth may be caused by missing teeth, or it might simply be a cosmetic issue. Gaps can also make it harder for the bite to fit correctly.