Crooked teeth, an overbite, an underbite, or crowded teeth can all make it harder to maintain proper oral health. What are some of the most common orthodontic issues? In this article, we look to answer that question! Keep reading to learn more.
Overbite
If your top front teeth significantly cover your lower front teeth when you smile or close your jaw, you may be dealing with a deep overbite or closed bite. There are numerous causes of a deep overbite, including genetics and thumb-sucking. An overbite can also happen over time as a result of teeth grinding or jaw clenching. In some cases, an underdeveloped lower jaw can also cause deep overbite issues.
Treatment for a deep overbite depends on age and a variety of other factors. When an overbite is caught early, some children can use palate expanders or growth modification devices to avoid additional orthodontic care later. Braces and tooth extraction can also help make room for adult teeth and improve the alignment of other teeth. Jaw surgery is sometimes required in the most severe cases.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when your jaw does not have the space to accommodate all of your teeth and overlapping, twisting, misalignment, and pain can occur. Crowding can happen due to early or late loss of baby teeth in children, or it can also be the result of genetics or trauma. Tongue-thrusting and thumb-sucking may also be contributors for toddlers and children.
Like with a deep overbite, children have numerous orthodontic options that can help avoid the need for additional treatment later, like palate expanders and baby teeth extraction. Once the bite has been corrected through braces or orthodontic treatment, many children and teens will also wear retainers to preserve their new alignment.
Overjet
Overjet is different from overbite, as it primarily concerns the upper front teeth. Some people know the overjet as “buck teeth” or “rabbit teeth” due to how it looks. There are many different things that can lead to overjet, including thumb-sucking, jaw size problems, and genetics.
Depending on the severity of the overjet, you have a variety of treatment options. Orthodontics alone can be a great solution if the teeth are simply misaligned. In the most serious cases where overjet happens due to jaw problems, corrective jaw surgery, and orthodontics can be used to fix the problem.
Spacing Problems
Spacing problems are common orthodontic issues that can occur at any age. Some people are born with spacing issues, while others can occur due to tooth extraction or tooth loss. Tongue thrusting and abnormal tooth development are other contributors to spacing problems, including minor gaps that are primarily cosmetic issues and large gaps that can harm your bite or cause problems elsewhere in your mouth.
Because spacing problems can differ in cause and severity so much, there are many different treatment options. Dental implants can help permanently replace lost teeth that lead to gaps. Braces are also one way to close small gaps and eliminate any cosmetic concerns. Porcelain veneers and dental bonding can also be used for minor gaps.
If you have any questions about how to achieve your perfect smile, don’t hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist in Carlsbad, Hulse Orthodontics. We’re here to help you smile with confidence!
