What Are the Common Orthodontic Problems?

Orthodontic treatment aims to straighten your teeth and correct your bite. While treatment can greatly improve your smile, it does not correct all problems. Here are some common problems that orthodontic treatment can correct:

Crowded Teeth

Overcrowding is a common orthodontic issue and is the most common reason that patients seek orthodontic treatment. Braces and clear aligners can be used to help correct many issues, such as an overbite or underbite, but the most common issue is overcrowding. When there is too much room in the jaw for teeth to fit comfortably, it can lead to crooked teeth and bite issues.

It is important to address crowding early on to prevent it from getting worse over time. Without early intervention, this can lead to serious complications later in life. It can also lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious health issues.

Overbite

An overbite is when your upper front teeth overlap your lower teeth when they bite together, and your teeth are misaligned. This misalignment can make it difficult to open and close your mouth properly, and it may even cause some discomfort in your lower jaw. You might also feel pain in your jaw when biting into hard foods, such as nuts or crunchy vegetables.

A crossbite occurs when some of your upper teeth are outside your lower teeth when you bite them together. It can cause a variety of problems, including tooth wear, gum disease, and even temporomandibular joint dysfunction. TMJ syndrome is a painful disorder of the jaw that can cause headaches, ear pain, neck pain, and more. If you are suffering from an overbite or crossbite, contact your dentist as soon as possible to discuss treatment options. 

Underbite

An underbite is characterized by the lower jaw extending out further than normal and biting down further on the front teeth than is normal to form the “underbite” or “prognathism.” The condition is often genetic, but it is also caused by thumb sucking and poor oral habits such as tongue thrusting. A mouth with crowding may also lead to an underbite as the teeth grow out of alignment. Braces and orthodontic treatment can be applied to correct this condition. 

Crossbite

When the teeth are misaligned, they may overlap or protrude in an unwanted way. This can cause the teeth to become misaligned and crooked. When this occurs, patients may notice an unpleasant appearance and difficulty biting and chewing food. For this reason, orthodontic treatment is recommended to realign the teeth.

Open Bite

An open bite occurs when the upper and lower jaws do not meet correctly during biting and chewing. As a result, one or more upper front teeth can become displaced or misaligned with the rest of your teeth. If an open bite is left untreated, it can cause other oral health issues to develop over time. 

If you wish to learn more, make an appointment with our dental experts. Visit us at Steven H. Brenman DMD, 1311 Bay St, Staten Island NY 10305. Call us to book an appointment at 718-650-2199.