Common problems in orthodontia.
When your jaw or tooth structure do not fit together properly, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to straighten out teeth and promote ideal oral and dental function.
Prevalent issues among patients.
If left untreated these structural issues (often referred to as malocclusions or bad bites) can cause speech difficulties, premature wear of the teeth and protective enamel, and even increase the chance of injury to the teeth and jaw joint.
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In an overbite the upper front teeth extend too far out over the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth. Problems often associated with an overbite include a "gummy" smile, gingival recession, and excessive incisor wear.
An underbite occurs when the lower jaw extends too far out, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth.
This type of bite is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending forward enough. In both situations there is a significant impact on the appearance and function of your teeth.
Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gums. This is the most common reason to invest in braces or Invisalign with your local orthodontist. Not only is crowding unattractive, but it has been linked to periodontal problems and dental decay because it makes it harder to clean overlapping teeth surfaces.
Dental midlines don't line up when the back bite does not fit and match properly. This can negatively impact jaw function and proper dental function.
In this case the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap, thus impacting proper chewing. Openbites may be caused by a number of unwanted habits, such as tongue-thrusting and thumb-sucking. Early evaluation and intervention by an orthodontist is essential for correcting an openbite.
The opposite of crowding, spacing is most commonly caused by excessive jaw room for the size of erupting teeth. Spacing problems may be the result of missing teeth or they may only be a cosmetic or aesthetic issue.Spacing is another popular reason for getting braces at our St. Joseph andGallatin orthodontic practice.
Other reasons to see an orthodontist.
There are many reasons you may need the assistance of an orthodontist. Some include:
