It is incredibly common for people of all ages to experience orthodontic problems at some point. While we may typically associate orthodontia with braces and alignment, there are several valid reasons to seek treatment. For some, the issue might be purely cosmetic, while for others orthodontic help is necessary to improve their health and overall quality of life. Either way, here is a helpful list of a few extremely common issues and how we can treat them:
SPACING
- This issue usually comes from teeth that are slightly too small for the mouth, or from a missing tooth that leaves too much space in between the teeth. If you decide to close any gaps, there are a number of options depending on the specific problem you’re facing. Braces, invisible liners, and veneers are all tried and true methods of closing gaps in between teeth.
CROWDING
- Crowding is the opposite of spacing, and comes from teeth that are too big for the mouth, or from a jaw that is too small to accommodate them. This can cause the overlap and general misalignment of teeth. Typically, this issue can be solved using a combination of expanders and braces over a period of a few years.
OVERBITE
- Overbites are when the upper teeth overlap the bottom teeth, causing an irregular bite and occasionally jaw pain. Depending on the severity of your overbite, treatment can include appliances to realign the jaw or surgery to fully correct it.
UNDERBITE
- An underbite is similar to an overbite, except the lower teeth extend over the upper teeth. Surgery is an option for adults to fix this issue, while children may require expanders or external headgear.
OPEN BITE
- This issue is when there is an opening between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This is most common in kids who continually suck their thumb. Treatment for an open bite can include braces, and possibly an appliance to help correct the position and movement of the tongue.
At Jay Harris Orthodontics, our treatment plan is customized to you and your specific orthodontic needs. Not everyone with one of these issues will require the same treatment, so it is important to consult with an orthodontist to form a plan for your treatment. Have any questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us today!
[…] you have asked your pediatric or family dentist or something they may have mentioned to you. Most common orthodontic problems can be caught by a dentist or pediatrician. However, the American Association of Orthodontists […]