Orthodontic problems are more common than you might think. Very few people have naturally perfect teeth. A “bad bite,” also known as malocclusion, can cause difficulties with chewing, maintaining oral hygiene, speaking clearly, and the overall appearance of your smile. Several factors contribute to these issues, including genetics, thumb-sucking habits, dental diseases, injuries, and other medical conditions.
Understanding the specific orthodontic issue you or your child may face is the crucial first step in finding a solution. Once identified, effective treatment from Dr. Andrew Cedarbaum can address these concerns, improving both the functionality of your bite and the visual appeal of your smile.
Below are some of the most commonly encountered orthodontic problems.
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
When the upper teeth extend too far forward or the lower teeth don’t move far enough, it leads to both aesthetic and functional issues with your smile. This condition can increase the risk of trauma to the front teeth due to their exposed position.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth excessively. In severe cases, the lower teeth may bite into the roof of the mouth, causing discomfort and potential oral health problems. Left untreated, an overbite can lead to tooth wear and jaw pain over time.
Crossbite
A crossbite happens when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth. This misalignment can cause tooth wear and gum problems and negatively impact jaw development. If not corrected, a crossbite can contribute to asymmetrical facial growth and jaw issues.
Openbite
In an openbite, the upper and lower front teeth don’t meet, which can interfere with proper chewing. This condition may also encourage habits like tongue thrusting. An openbite can make it difficult to bite into foods like apples or sandwiches.
Underbite
In an underbite, the lower jaw extends further forward than the upper jaw, causing the lower teeth to sit ahead of the upper teeth. This can lead to both aesthetic concerns and difficulties with biting and chewing. Severe underbites can affect speech and cause discomfort in the jaw joints.
Spacing
Gaps between teeth, known as spacing issues, can occur due to missing teeth or simply as a cosmetic concern. Proper alignment can help close these gaps, improving both appearance and function. Spacing issues can also affect the stability of neighboring teeth.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when there isn’t enough space in the mouth for all the teeth to come in properly. It can often be corrected through orthodontic expansion, avoiding the need for tooth extractions. Without treatment, crowded teeth can lead to difficulty with cleaning, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Dental Midlines not Matched
This issue arises when the dental midline of the upper teeth doesn’t match with the midline of the lower teeth. This misalignment can affect the overall bite and jaw function. While it may seem minor, it can lead to jaw strain and uneven tooth wear.
