At Larson Orthodontics, we take pride in providing the best orthodontic care. When a person’s teeth or jaw structure do not fit together properly, orthodontic treatment may be a necessity in order to straighten teeth and promote ideal function. These problems are often referred to as malocclusions, or bad bites. They can cause speech difficulty, premature wear of the teeth and protective enamel and even increase the chance of injury to teeth and jaw joints, if left untreated. Below is a detailed description of these common orthodontic issues.
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower jaw expends out. This causes the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth.
Overbite
As opposed to an underbite, an overbite occurs when the upper front teeth extend out over the lower front teeth. This sometimes causes the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
Crossbite
In a crossbite, the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which may cause tooth stratification and misaligned jaw growth.
Openbite
An openbite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. It may be caused by habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting and can often impact proper chewing.
Spacing
Missing teeth can cause spacing problems. However, they can also be merely a cosmetic issue.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to come through the gum. It’s often corrected by expansion and tooth removal can usually be avoided.
Protrusion
The appearance and function of your teeth are mainly impacted by upper front teeth protrusion. This is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending for enough forward.
Midlines
Dental midlines that do not match are evident when the back bite does not fit appropriately. This may negatively impact jaw and proper dental function.