Did you know we treat orthodontic issues at any age? But it’s best to correct problems early, so they don’t cause unnecessary damage to the teeth and gums. We want you to know what common problems to look for in your children or yourselves. Or, share this information with family and friends to inform them. What is the most common orthodontic issue? How can you identify the different forms of this condition?
Malocclusion (bad bite) is the most common orthodontic problem, and it has several types, which we’ll discuss below. It’s often the result of a genetic issue, but a bad bite can also be caused by childhood habits such as thumb-sucking, mouth-breathing, tongue-thrusting, and prolonged use of pacifiers or bottles. Also, extra teeth, impacted teeth, and trauma can cause bite problems.
Common Malocclusion Problems
Overbite — An overbite occurs when the top front teeth extend far over the bottom front teeth. Sometimes the bottom teeth bite into the roof of the mouth.
Underbite — The lower jaw sticks out, causing the bottom front teeth to rest in front of the top front teeth.
Crossbite — The top teeth and bottom teeth don’t correctly meet when you bite down, causing the jaw to shift to the left or right side.
Open Bite — Open bite is when the top and bottom teeth don’t close together correctly, causing open space between the top and bottom teeth.
Overjet — Overjet (buck teeth) means the top front teeth stick out too far.
Widely Spaced Teeth — Having too much space between your teeth may result from missing teeth or genetics.
Crowding — Crowding occurs when the teeth don’t have enough room to come through the gums into the proper position.
Misaligned Dental Midlines — The midline is misaligned when the space between the center top front teeth and the center bottom front teeth don’t line up.
The great news is we can correct these bite issues with orthodontic treatment. It begins with a free orthodontic evaluation. If you have family members or friends who need orthodontic treatment, have them contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Best,
The Team at The Best Braces
