Common Orthodontic Problems or Malocclusion
Orthodontic concerns are more common than most people realize, very few smiles develop perfectly on their own. A “bad bite,” or malocclusion, can affect far more than appearance. It may make chewing difficult, impact oral hygiene, cause speech challenges, or affect a child’s confidence as they grow.
These issues can be hereditary or may develop from habits and conditions such as thumb-sucking, early loss of baby teeth, dental disease, injury, or other health factors. No matter the cause, identifying the problem early helps ensure the healthiest outcome.
At Smile & Co. Orthodontics, we help families understand the specific bite or alignment concerns affecting their smile. With personalized, modern treatment from Dr. Sam Kadan and Dr. Nicolette Almer, you can improve the function, comfort, and appearance of your teeth at any age.
Below are some of the most common orthodontic problems we treat:
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 out over the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
Crossbite
The upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which may cause misaligned jaw growth.
Openbite
Proper chewing is impacted by this type of bite, in which the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. Openbite may cause a number of unwanted habits, such as tongue thrusting.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gum. Crowding can often be corrected by expansion, and many times, tooth removal can be avoided.
Spacing
Spacing problems may be caused by missing teeth, or they may only be a cosmetic or aesthetic issue.
Underbite
In an underbite, the lower jaw extends out, causing the lower front teeth to sit in the front of the upper front teeth.