Orthodontic issues refer to problems related to the alignment, positioning, and overall appearance of the teeth and jaw. These issues can have functional, aesthetic, and health implications. Here are some of the most common orthodontic issues:
Overbite
This is when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth in a vertical direction. Overbites are typically genetic or hereditary and often due to the way the jaws develop. Severe overbites can lead to jaw pain, uneven wear on teeth, and speech issues.
Treatment: Typically the best way to correct an overbite is by wearing braces, aligners, or other appliances that can adjust the vertical alignment of the upper and lower teeth, reducing the overbite. In cases of severe skeletal overbite, orthognathic surgery might be considered to reposition the upper and lower jaws.
Underbite
A condition in which the lower jaw juts out further than the upper jaw. This misalignment of the jaws can cause the lower front teeth to overlap the upper front teeth, which can make it difficult to chew and speak. It is often genetic or hereditary and is usually very difficult to correct with just orthodontic appliances.
Treatment: Underbites can be corrected using various orthodontic appliances to align the upper and lower teeth properly. Severe underbites might require a combination of orthodontic treatment and jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) to achieve the best results.
Crossbite
When one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, this is referred to as a crossbite. A crossbite leads to uneven wear, jaw misalignment among other dental issues.
Treatment: A crossbite can be corrected using braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances. The goal is to guide the affected teeth into proper alignment with the opposing teeth. A palatal expander might be used to widen the upper arch gradually. Early treatment can often prevent more severe issues from developing.
Open Bite
When the lower and upper teeth don’t come into contact when the mouth is closed, this is referred to as an open bite. Open bites are mainly as a result of jawbone problems arising from the patient or by habits such as thumb sucking or tongue-thrusting.
Treatment: The best way to correct an open bite is by wearing braces, aligners, or other appliances that can help close an open bite by moving the teeth into proper alignment. Open bites can sometimes result from habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. Addressing these habits can be an important part of treatment. Speech therapy might be recommended if the open bite affects speech patterns.
Crowding
Dental crowding occurs when there is insufficient space in the jaw for all the teeth to properly align. Patients with crowded teeth tend to be self-conscious about their smiles, their teeth can suffer from uneven wear and tear and gum problems since overlapping teeth are more difficult to keep clean than straight teeth.
Treatment: Crowding can be corrected by using braces or Invisalign to move the teeth into their correct positions or removing one or more teeth to create more space for the remaining teeth (extraction). Extraction treatment is typically only recommended for severe cases of crowding.
Seeking Treatment
It’s important to remember that everyone’s orthodontic demands are different, and the treatment technique will differ depending on the severity of the problem, the patient’s age, oral health, and personal preferences. To identify the right treatment for you, schedule a consultation at Dream Orthodontics in South Surrey. We’ll create a customized treatment plan based on your specific needs so that you can love your smile again.