Bite problems, also known as malocclusions, affect the alignment and fit of your teeth. They are not just aesthetic concerns; they can cause discomfort, difficulty chewing and long-term dental health problems. Fortunately, orthodontic treatments offer effective solutions for correcting these issues. Today we are exploring the common types of bite problems and the professional orthodontic solutions available to address them.
1. Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower front teeth. This condition, also known as “deep bite,” can cause excessive wear on the lower teeth, jaw pain and even damage to the gums. In severe cases, it can impact facial appearance and lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Orthodontic Solution: Braces are one of the most common treatments for overbites. They work by gradually shifting the teeth into proper alignment. In cases of severe overbites, rubber bands or headgear may also be used to correct the jaw position. We offer a Carriere® distalizing appliance to fix your bite without using a headgear. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign® treatment, can also be effective in treating mild to moderate overbites. Some cases may require a combination of braces and surgical intervention if the overbite is caused by a skeletal issue rather than just tooth misalignment.
2. Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth. This condition often leads to issues with chewing, speaking and premature tooth wear. It can also contribute to an unbalanced facial appearance, which can be a source of self-consciousness for patients.
Orthodontic Solution: For mild underbites, braces or clear aligners are often effective. Orthodontists may use palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw in growing children, creating more space for the teeth to fit together properly. For more severe underbites caused by skeletal discrepancies, orthognathic surgery may be necessary to reposition the jaw.
3. Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when some of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This can affect a single tooth or a group of teeth. Crossbites can cause wear on the teeth, gum disease and even lead to bone loss if left untreated.
Orthodontic Solution: Crossbites can be corrected with braces or clear aligners. In children, expanders are often used to widen the upper jaw (see above) which allows the teeth to move into a more natural position. Adults with crossbites may require a combination of braces and surgical intervention if the misalignment is due to the jaw’s structure rather than the position of the teeth.
4. Open Bite
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, creating a gap. This issue is commonly caused by habits such as thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting, and it can lead to difficulty in biting and chewing food.
Orthodontic Solution: Braces are commonly used to treat open bites by gradually moving the teeth into the correct position. In children, stopping habits like thumb-sucking is essential for preventing further dental issues. In more severe cases, where the open bite is caused by the jaw’s shape, jaw surgery may be required to correct the problem.
5. Crowding
Crowding occurs when there is not enough space in the mouth for all the teeth to fit properly, causing them to overlap or twist. Crowded teeth are harder to clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Orthodontic Solution: Braces or clear aligners are used to straighten the teeth and create more space in the mouth. In some cases, tooth extraction may be necessary to provide additional space. Orthodontists may also use spacers or expanders to make room for crowded teeth without extractions.
6. Spacing
Spacing issues occur when there are gaps between teeth. This can be due to missing teeth, an overdeveloped jaw or other dental problems. Spacing issues can cause speech difficulties and make the teeth more prone to damage.
Orthodontic Solution: Braces and clear aligners are effective in closing gaps between teeth. In cases where teeth are missing, dental implants or bridges may be recommended to fill in the gaps.
We Are the Orthodontist Near You
If you are experiencing bite issues, a consultation with one of our skilled orthodontists can help assess your condition and provide appropriate treatment to correct the issue. Shirck Orthodontics invites you to schedule your evaluation with one of our orthodontists, Dr. Jeff, Dr. Soo and Dr. Betina. We offer convenient locations near you in Powell, Newark, Westerville, or New Albany and Pataskala, Ohio. Please give our team a call today!