Types of Orthodontic Conditions

Orthodontic procedures can be used to correct a number of dental issues. Here are some of the most common orthodontic conditions.

Crowded Teeth

Overcrowding occurs when the jaw does not have enough room to accommodate all permanent teeth. This can be caused by a variety of things, including large teeth or too many teeth overall. If left untreated, overcrowding can lead to serious issues such as impacted teeth and misaligned bites.

An orthodontist may use a variety of treatments to treat overcrowded teeth, depending on the cause and severity. A traditional treatment method involves the use of braces to move teeth into better alignment. However, there are other options available for patients who do not want to wear braces, such as Invisalign^® clear aligners.

Overbite & Underbite

An overbite is when the lower jaw and teeth are further out than the upper jaw and teeth. Underbites are also common, which is when the upper teeth and jaw are farther forward than the lower jaw and teeth. Both of these orthodontic conditions can be caused by genetics or environmental factors like the position in which the baby was in the womb. Children who are born early may also have an overbite or underbite because of the position of the fetal head in the mother’s womb.

Both children and adults can suffer from overbites or underbites. While these conditions may cause no discomfort, they may make chewing difficult and cause other oral health concerns. Corrective treatments like braces or Invisalign® offer relief from these issues.

Orthodontics can focus on both straightening the teeth and improving overall bite function by addressing issues like overbites or underbites. These issues can cause painful symptoms like headaches, TMJ disorder, difficulty chewing, and more. Braces reposition the teeth into the correct alignment while Invisalign shifts the teeth with invisible plastic aligners that can be removed to eat and clean your teeth normally. Treatment time will vary by patient, but most patients can achieve their ideal smile within two to three years of treatment.

Crossbite

Crossbite occurs when the top teeth are inside of the bottom teeth when the jaw is closed. This condition can be corrected with a type of orthodontic treatment called braces. Braces straighten the teeth and align the bite, correcting the problem.