Common Problems

There is an array of different dental problems that can cause you discomfort and uneasiness about how you look. When a person's teeth or jaws do not fit together properly, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct the problem. If left untreated, these orthodontic problems, often referred to as malocclusions, can cause speech difficulty, premature wear of the teeth and enamel, and even increase the chance of injury to the teeth and jaw joints. If you believe you have any of the problems described below, we encourage you to call us for a free exam and consultation. We offer top-of-the-line services ranging from traditional metal braces, self-ligating braces, Invisalign as well as surgical orthodontics to transform your smile.

Underbite

An underbite is characterized by the lower jaw extending too far out or the upper jaw not extending far enough out, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth.

Crossbite

This malocclusion occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which may cause tooth wear and misaligned jaw growth. In order to close the mouth, patients usually move their lower jaw forward or to the side when closing. This incorrect bite results in an improper use of the lower jaw and sometimes brings about facial asymmetry.

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 teeth not extending far enough forward.

Overbite

The upper front teeth extend too down 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, protruding lips and excessive wear of the front teeth.

Crowding

Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gums. It is the most common reason for braces. Not only is crowding unattractive, but it has also been linked to gum problems and tooth decay because it is harder to clean overlapping teeth.

Spacing

Spacing problems may be caused by missing teeth, or  by excessive jaw room for the size of the erupting teeth. Spacing is another popular reason for braces. 

 

Openbite

Proper chewing is impacted by this type of bite, in which the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. An Openbite may be caused by a number of unwanted habits, such as tongue thrusting ,thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use. An early evaluation and intervention is essential in correcting an openbite.

Dental Midlines not Matched

A midline discrepancy is caused when the upper and/or lower dental midlines  do not align with the facial midline. This may negatively impact jaw function and proper dental function.