ORTHODONTIC ISSUES
​
UNDERBITE​
​
An underbite, clinically called prognathism, is the malocclusion or "bad bite" that happens when lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. Severity can vary between a mild underbite, where the two rows of teeth almost meet; and a situation wherein the teeth don't meet at all because the gap is so wide.
CAUSE
The main cause of an underbite is a misalignment of the lower jaw, which is usually present at birth.
​
PROBLEMS
If the gap is wide, it can cause following issues:
-
Eating difficulties
-
Challenges with speaking
-
Chronic jaw or joint (TMJ) pain, as well as head- and earaches
-
Tooth decay from excessive wear of the tooth enamel
-
Chronic mouth breathing, halitosis, bacterial infections, sleep apnea, snoring, and other nighttime breathing difficulties.
​
OVERBITE (DEEP BITE)​
​
An overbite, also known as a "deep Bite", happens when the upper teeth protrude further than the lower teeth and may completely cover them.
​
CAUSE
Although this can hereditary, an overbite can be caused by a malformed jaw. Underdeveloped lower jaw or an overdeveloped upper jaw can result from the pressure of certain habits children may develop such as thumb-sucking and prolonged bottle-feeding or tongue-thrusting. Chewing on foreign objects can also form an overbite.
​
PROBLEMS
Problems often associated with an overbite include:
-
A "gummy" smile
-
Protruding lips
-
Excessive incisor wear
CROSSBITE​
​
A crossbite happens when some of the upper teeth close inside the lower teeth rather than the outside. Basically, the upper teeth close inside the lower teeth rather than the outside.
​
CAUSE
Although a crossbite can be genetic, reasons such as prolonged use of a pacifier or thumb-sucking, delayed loss of baby teeth, and oversized tonsils or adenoids can be the source of a crossbite.
​
PROBLEMS
Problems often associated with an overbite include:
-
Facial asymmetry
-
Improper use of the lower jaws
-
Difficulties of closing the mouth: In order to close the mouth, patients usually move their lower jaw forward or to the side when closing.
OPEN BITE ​
​
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed. When a person closes their jaw, the teeth will have a gap or opening.
​
CAUSE
Open bite can be passed down by genetics. The problem normally corrects itself around the age of four and doesn’t persist into adulthood; however, a child may develop an opening in their bite when they have a mix of baby and permanent teeth and too much bone growth. Temporomandibular joint problems may also be the culprit. The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge that allows your mouth to open.
​
Other causes are prolonged pacifier or thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting (pushing the teeth with the tongue). Tongue thrusting happens when you push the tongue through the teeth during swallowing or while speaking.
​
PROBLEMS
Problems often associated with an overbite include:
-
Unwanted habits, such as tongue thrusting or thumb sucking
-
Self-consciousness if your smile isn’t how you would like
-
A lisp or other speech impediments
-
Increased wear on the back teeth
-
Difficulty eating some foods
OVERJET (PROTRUSION)​
​
An overjet, also known as upper front teeth protrusion, is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending far enough forward.​
​
CAUSE
Overjet can be genetic, however, in many cases, it is due to childhood habits. Much like the habits that cause Overbites, these habits include, thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, or prolonged bottle or pacifier and can cause the front teeth to splay out over time.
​
PROBLEMS
Problems often associated with an overjet include:
-
Speech impediments.
-
Breathing issues
-
Chewing deficiencies.
-
Damage to other teeth and gums.
-
Pain when chewing or biting.
-
Alterations in the appearance of the face.
CROWDING ​
​
Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gums. It is the most common reason for braces.
​
CAUSE
Most of the time, teeth crowding or alignment problems are caused by inadequate space. If there is not enough space for all of the teeth, they find the path of least resistance. This can cause teeth crowding problems.
​
PROBLEMS
Problems often associated with teeth crowding include:
-
Difficulties to brush and floss well
-
Leads to other periodontal problems and dental decay because it is harder to clean overlapping teeth’s surfaces.
-
Unattractive smile
SPACING ​
​
Spacing, also called Diastema, refers to gaps or space between teeth which causes the teeth to not fit normally in the jaw. They are most noticeable in the two upper front teeth but can be from anywhere in the mouth. In children, gaps may disappear once their permanent teeth grow in.
​
CAUSE
Spacing can be caused by multiple factors and can be determined by genetics. The opposite of crowding, spacing is most commonly caused by excessive jaw room for the size of the erupting teeth. Besides, an overgrowth of the tissue that borders the gum line and the teeth can also result in a gap.
Bad habits can also be the culprit for spacing. The pressure that thumb-sucking involves can cause the teeth to pull forward.
​
Gum diseases damages the gums and tissue with inflammation and can also lead to tooth loss and gaps between the teeth.
​
PROBLEMS
Problems(s) often associated with Diastema (spacing) include:
-
Cosmetic or aesthetic issue
MISPLACED MIDLINES ​
​
Your smile has two midlines, one in between your two upper front incisors, and another one in between the two bottom center teeth. With a perfect and healthy smile, these lines should form one straight midline all the way down the center. When these lines don’t match up, there is a clear misalignment with the teeth or jaw. Misplaced midlines, also often referred as dental midlines that do not match, are evident when the back bite does not fit and match appropriately.
​
CAUSE
It is usually caused by the bite being off on one, or both sides.
​
PROBLEMS
Misplaced midlines may negatively impact jaw function and proper dental function.
