Crowding
Crowding is one of the most common reasons for seeking orthodontic treatment. Crowding occurs when there is not enough room in the patients jaw to fit all of their teeth. This issue can be corrected by braces or clear aligners. Crowding is not just a cosmetic issue – it can increases the risks of gum disease, tartar, cavities and may prevent proper cleaning between teeth.
Excessive Spacing
Spacing issues arise when there is too much room in the jaw. This is generally a cosmetic matter as patients are concerned about the visible gaps between their teeth. It can also be due to missing teeth. However, the lack of teeth contact can leave the gums vulnerable to problems and prevent proper functioning of the teeth.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth sit within the lower teeth, this can misalign the jaw off to one side. This can cause facial asymmetry, difficulty chewing, enamel wear, and tooth decay. This occurrence can be corrected using a palate expander along side the use of braces or clear aligners throughout a multistep treatment.
Open Bite
An open bite occurs when the teeth do not overlap properly causing a gap in the from of the mouth when in the closed position. This issue may arise through thumb or pacifier sucking, tongue thrusting, TMJ or a skeletal problem. The open bite may cause esthetic concerns, speech impairment, proper chewing, and tooth wear.
Overbite (Deep Bite)
The overbite occurs when the upper jaw sits too far in front of the lower jaw. This causes an issue for the patient when biting or chewing as the upper teeth may cover the lower teeth. In extreme cases, the lower teeth may bite into the roof of the mouth. This issue may cause premature enamel wear, however with repair, the patient can expect the preservation of tooth health and longevity.
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower jaw protrudes beyond the top jaw, resulting in the lower front teeth to overlap those on top. This occurrence is generally hereditary, but can also be caused by tongue thrusting, mouth breathing and poor eating habits. Not only a cosmetic issue, an underbite can cause difficulty biting and chewing food, speaking, and pain in the mouth or face.
Overjet (Protrusion)
An overjet occurs when the upper teeth protrude outward and sit over the bottom teeth. This condition can be caused by multiple variables such as thumb sucking, overuse of a pacifier, or hereditary.
Abnormal Eruption
An abnormal tooth eruption occurs when a tooth emerges through the gum in the wrong place or has difficulty erupting into the mouth. A common example is the eruption of a high canine (“fangs”). This can be corrected by your orthodontist with braces or aligners.
Additional Cosmetic Concerns
There are many orthodontic problems that are cosmetic but still very important for patients. Sometimes teeth are too small, have an unusual texture, are misshapen, or are missing completely. Orthodontic treatment can help address all of these concerns! Call (613) 482-0882 to schedule an appointment.