There are a number of very common misalignment issues that orthodontic treatment can correct with braces. You or your child may have one of these issues but not know the name of it, so this blog post will take a few minutes to explain the most common types of orthodontic issues to you.
Protrusion
If you have a protrusion, chances are that your upper front teeth extend forward and/or your lower front teeth have grown slightly inward. This can have an impact on the appearance as well as the function of your teeth, which is why orthodontic treatment is recommended.
Spacing
If you or your child have additional space between each of your teeth, this could be caused by missing teeth or just be a cosmetic issue. Though keeping your teeth clean is usually not an issue with this form of misalignment, it can affect your speech and tooth function, which is why orthodontic treatment is recommended.
Crowding
If you have a somewhat small mouth, you may experience crowding. Essentially, too many teeth are trying to occupy the same space, which causes them to overlap or grow in at an angle. This can affect speech, tooth function, and your ability to brush properly, which can cause tooth decay.
Misaligned Midlines
The dental midline is where the space between the upper front teeth and the space between the lower front teeth meet to create one vertical line. If the space between your upper and lower front teeth are misaligned – maybe the bottom is off-center – it can cause problems with the jaw as well as tooth function.
Overbite
An overbite is where your upper front teeth extend out over the lower front teeth, sometimes causing your lower front teeth to bite into the roof of your mouth. A severe overbite may also be due to a misplaced jaw, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Underbite
If you have an underbite, your lower front teeth extend out over your upper front teeth. This – like an overbite – may also be due to or cause issues with your jaw, and in severe cases the jaw may need to be surgically corrected.
Cross Bite
In the case of a cross bite, your upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth. This can cause your jaw to become misaligned and cause issues with tooth function, which is why orthodontic treatment is recommended.
Open Bite
In the case of an open bite, your front upper and bottom teeth don’t overlap at all; in fact, there may be a great deal of open space between them, even with your mouth closed. An open bite can affect your ability to chew and may be caused by thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
If you or your child are ready to find out whether you need orthodontic treatment or not, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 914.221.0470 or request your New Patient Evaluation online. If you have additional questions, concerns, or comments, you may want to call us or fill out our online contact form. No matter where you are on your orthodontic journey, we’re here for you, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information. If you’re ready to get started, great! We look forward to meeting you and guiding you on your journey to a healthier, more beautiful smile.
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