Which 4 Common Dental Issues Can Orthodontics Fix?
You might think that the only kind of dental problem an orthodontist can help you with is crooked teeth. However, an orthodontist can help in many other ways as well. Keep reading to find out what four common dental problems orthodontics can help to fix.
1. Overcrowded Teeth
Some people have smaller mouths than normal. These people are susceptible to a dental condition called overcrowding. When your teeth are overcrowded, you may face all kinds of dental problems.
Overcrowded teeth are usually placed tightly together, which makes it difficult to thoroughly brush and floss between them. When you can’t easily clean all around your teeth, your chances of tooth decay and gum disease increase.
Other problems associated with overcrowded teeth include:
- Bad breath
- Speech difficulties
- Chewing difficulties
One more problem overcrowded teeth cause is low self-esteem. Those with severely crowded teeth can be self-conscious about the way they look and the way they talk, which reduces self-esteem.
2. Spaces Between Teeth
Some of the most common causes of spaces between the teeth include:
- Missing teeth
- Thumb-sucking as a child
- Gum disease
- Shifting teeth
Another cause of spaces between the teeth is an overgrown frenum, which is the gum tissue above the two front teeth.
Some people have small spaces between the teeth, while others have larger spaces that are much more noticeable. Whether the spaces between your teeth are small or large, you may feel self-conscious about the gaps.
Spaces between the teeth also increase the chances of food getting stuck between them, which can cause a buildup of bacteria and plaque in your mouth.
3. Bite Issues
Bite issues are also called malocclusions or bad bites. There are several different kinds of bite issues, all of which occur when the jaw or the teeth do not fit together properly. Some of the most common kinds of bite issues are listed below.
Crossbite
A crossbite is when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth. Left untreated, a crossbite can cause the jaw to become lopsided. Plus, your tooth enamel can wear down. A crossbite can either be posterior, which affects the back teeth, or anterior, which affects the front teeth.
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower jaw is in front of the upper jaw. Left untreated, an underbite can cause stress on the jaw joints and affect the appearance of the entire face.
Openbite
An openbite can either be anterior or posterior. An anterior openbite occurs when the upper and lower teeth in the front part of the mouth do not overlap. A posterior openbite means the front teeth come together, but the back ones don’t. Left untreated, an openbite makes it very difficult to chew and swallow. Some people with an openbite also experience speech problems.
Overbite
Sometimes referred to as a deep bite, this malocclusion occurs when the upper front teeth extend over the lower front teeth. Left untreated, an overbite can cause problems with the gums and worn tooth enamel.
Protrusion
When the upper jaw extends too far forward and the lower jaw is too far back, it causes the front teeth to protrude at an angle. Left untreated, the upper teeth are susceptible to becoming damaged. Protrusion can also cause speech problems and discomfort.
4. Unmatched Midlines
An unmatched midline occurs when the center points of one or both dental arches aren’t perfectly aligned. Common causes of unmatched midlines include missing teeth, jaw misalignments, and overcrowded teeth.
Teeth that are either too small or too large can also cause an unmatched midline. This type of dental problem is usually only cosmetic, although severe cases can cause chewing problems.
Do you suffer from any of these common dental problems? If so, contact Rosen Orthodontics to schedule a complimentary consultation! We have a variety of technologies and treatment options available that can fix your dental problem and improve your smile!
