Specific Orthodontic Problems
To learn more about an orthodntic problem of interest, please select a link from the menu below:
Crossbite
Crossbite can occur in the front and/or the sides of the mouth. One or more upper teeth bite on the inside of the lower teeth. This can occur with a single tooth or multiple teeth. Early correction of crossbite is recommended.
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Crossbite should be corrected because it can:
- premature wear of the teeth
- gum disease, including bone loss
- asymmetrical development of the jaws
- dysfunctional chewing patterns, and thus, possibly, jaw joint problems
- make your smile less attractive
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After
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How can a crossbite be orthodontically corrected?
If there is a single tooth crossbite, the tooth can be moved with braces into the correct position. In some cases, a retainer can be utilized. With multiple teeth in crossbite, the upper arch needs to be expanded with braces or other appliances such as palate expanders.
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Open bite
Openbite is an insufficient vertical overlap of the teeth. It is caused by oral habits such as tongue thrust, digit sucking, or when the jaws don't grow proportionately.
How can an open bite be corrected?
Openbite can be corrected through growth modification of the jaws using braces and elastics and in some cases jaw surgery. Also, breaking oral habits such as thumb sucking will facilitate the correction of an openbite.
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Overbite
Class II Overbite
Overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively. Often you cannot see the lower incisors. Overbite is due to a disproportionate amount of eruption of front teeth, or over development of the bone that supports the teeth, and a discrepancy in the growth of the upper or lower jaws (Class II Relationship). Overbite is also known as a deep bite.
Overbite should be corrected because it can:
- cause improper functioning of your front teeth
- result in the lower front teeth biting into the gum tissue of the upper palate leading to tissue problems
- unusual wear of the teeth
- cause jaw or jaw joint problems
- make your smile less attractive
How can an overbite be orthodontically corrected?
Overbite can be corrected through jaw growth modification and tooth movement using braces and/or bite appliances.
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Overjet
Class II Overjet
Overjet is also known as protrusion. It is where the lower teeth are too far behind the upper front teeth. This can be caused by an improper alignment of teeth, a skeletal imbalance of the upper and lower jaw, flared upper incisors, missing lower teeth, or a combination of all the above. In addition, oral habits such as thumb or finger sucking or tongue thrusting can worsen the condition.
Overjet should be corrected because it can:
- prevent proper functioning of the jaws and teeth
- lead to premature wear of the teeth
- cause jaw or joint problems
- make your smile less attractive
How can overjet be orthodontically corrected?
Overjet can be corrected through jaw growth modification and tooth movement using a functional appliance, braces, headgear and/or elastics.
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Underbite
Class III Underbite
The lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. An underbite is usually caused by the lower jaw growing more than the upper jaw. Underbite can also be caused by flared lower incisors, retruded upper incisors, or a combination of all the above. Early correction of underbite is recommended.
Underbite should be corrected because it can:
- prevent proper functioning of the front teeth or molars which can lead to premature wear of the teeth
- cause chewing or eating problems
- cause or contribute to jaw or joint problems
- make your smile less attractive
How can an underbite be orthodontically corrected?
Underbite can sometimes be corrected through jaw growth modification using appliances on the teeth along with nighttime headgear wear. In other cases, extraction of teeth and/or jaw surgery is needed.
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