Common Orthodontic Issues and How to Address Them
Orthodontic issues are prevalent dental issues that affect the proper alignment of your jaws and teeth. These issues can cause teeth crowding, underbite, and overbite. It is fundamental to address them on time to prevent tooth decay and other oral issues. Here we discuss some common orthodontic issues that affect most people.
Overcrowding
When there is insufficient space in the jaw to accommodate all the teeth, overcrowding occurs. This can lead to crooked or rotated teeth. Treatment options may include tooth extraction, dental arch expansion, or orthodontic appliances to align the teeth properly.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. It can be caused by genetics, thumb sucking, or improper jaw development. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners, can help correct overbites by gradually moving the teeth and aligning the jaws.
Underbite
An underbite is when your lower front teeth protrude upper front teeth. It can be caused by jaw misalignment or disproportionate lower jaw growth. Treatment options may include braces, clear aligners, or orthognathic surgery to correct the positioning of the jaws.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth when biting down rather than outside. This can result in tooth wear, jaw misalignment, and asymmetric facial growth. Orthodontic treatment can help correct crossbites by realigning the teeth and jaws.
Open Bite
An open bite is characterized by a space or gap between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are biting down. It can be caused by thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or skeletal issues. Treatment options in severe cases may include orthodontic appliances, habit correction techniques, or surgery.
Spacing Issues
Spacing issues are common problems for most people. Missing teeth or irregular jaw growth are the major contributing factors. An orthodontist can recommend aligners or braces to solve such problems. If you have missing teeth they can advise on the use of bridges or implants to fill such gaps.
