Common Orthodontic Issues
These common orthodontic issues can negatively impact your life – find out what issue is causing you problems below and then reach out to us to help you get the smile you want.
ABNORMAL ERUPTION
Abnormal eruption occurs when a tooth emerges in an incorrect position through the gum. This often results from the improper timing of primary teeth falling out (too late) and permanent teeth coming in (too early).
- Misaligned upper and lower teeth (malocclusion)
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Persistent pain or pressure, including sensitivity to hot and cold foods
CROSSBITE (BACK TEETH)
A back teeth crossbite usually stems from a narrow upper jaw or an unusually wide lower jaw. A constricted upper jaw can force the lower jaw forward or to the side when closing, causing the lower teeth to sit outside the upper teeth.
- Incorrect positioning of the lower jaw
- Facial asymmetry
- Uneven tooth wear
CROSSBITE (FRONT TEETH)
Front teeth crossbite occurs when an upper tooth (or teeth) bites behind the lower teeth instead of in front. This condition is often hereditary but can also result from delayed or abnormal tooth eruption.
- Speech difficulties
- Uneven tooth wear and jaw growth
- Loosening of teeth due to damage to surrounding bone and gum tissue
Crowding
Crowding is one of the most common reasons for seeking orthodontic care. It usually results from a discrepancy between the available space in the jaw and the size of the teeth.
- An aesthetically unpleasing smile
- Misaligned teeth
- Periodontal problems
- Increased risk of dental decay due to difficulty maintaining proper oral hygiene
Open Bite
An open bite is a malocclusion where the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when the jaws are closed. It is commonly caused by habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. Early assessment and intervention are key to addressing this issue.
- Increased wear on back teeth
- Dysfunctional chewing
- Trauma where the lower and upper jaw teeth meet
OVERBITE (DEEP BITE)
An overbite, or deep bite, is characterized by excessive vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth. This condition typically arises from a discrepancy between the lengths of the upper and lower jaws.
- Excessive eruption of upper and/or lower incisors
- Excessive display of gum tissue
- Lip protrusion or entrapment
- Biting the roof of the mouth
OVERJET (PROTRUSION)
Overjet refers to the horizontal distance where the upper front teeth protrude ahead of the lower front teeth. It can be caused by thumb sucking, insufficient lower jaw growth, improper tooth inclination, or differences in the lengths of the upper and lower arches.
- Low self-esteem and social insecurities
- Problems with biting and chewing
- Trauma to the upper front teeth
- Premature wear of the back teeth
- Reduced airway space
Spacing
Spacing issues, like crowding, often result from discrepancies between the size of the teeth and the jaw. Gum tissue attachments called “frenum” or “frenulum” can also cause spacing between the front teeth.
- Atypical or unusually narrow teeth
- Missing teeth
- Impacted teeth
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower jaw and teeth extend forward in front of the upper jaw. It can be caused by genetics, jaw abnormalities, or improper tooth positioning.
- Jaw and joint pain
- Increased wear on enamel
- Difficulty biting certain foods
- Changes in facial structure and appearance
- Speech interference
- Misalignment of teeth
