Orthodontic problems can affect anyone; our teeth are almost never naturally perfect. Malocclusion, or a “bad bite”, can cause problems with chewing, oral hygiene, speaking and esthetics. A bad bite can be genetic, or can be caused by a number of different reasons.
Education about the orthodontic problem you or your child may have is the first step to correcting it. Orthodontic treatment performed by Dr. Danielle London can improve the functionality of your bite, overall oral hygiene, comfort in your mouth, and the appearance of your smile.
Below are some examples of the most common orthodontic problems.
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
The appearance and function of your teeth are impacted by this type of bite. It is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower jaw not extending far enough forward.
Overbite
The upper front teeth extend out over the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
Crossbite
The upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which may cause permeant tooth and gum damage and misaligned jaw growth.
Openbite
Proper chewing is impacted by this type of bite, in which the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. Openbite may cause a number of unwanted habits, such as tongue thrusting or speaking with a lisp.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt. Crowding can often be corrected by expansion, and many times, tooth removal can be avoided.
Spacing
Spacing problems may be caused by missing teeth. Spacing concerns can be esthetic or function.
Underbite
In an underbite, the lower jaw extends out, causing the lower front teeth to sit in the front of the upper front teeth.
