Common Problems
When your jaw or tooth structure do not fit together properly, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to straighten out teeth and promote ideal oral and dental function. As your local orthodontist for the Tucson, AZ area, Dr. Marisela Bedoya sees many common orthodontic problems that can be fixed with the types of braces and other orthodontic services we offer. Please continue reading below for a list of common orthodontic problems that would warrant treatment from an orthodontist. Should you be suffering from any of these problems, please contact us and schedule an appointment immediately. If left untreated these structural issues (often referred to as malocclusions or bad bites) can cause speech difficulties, premature wear of the teeth and protective enamel, and even increase the chance of injury to the teeth and jaw joint.
Types of Common Orthodontic Problems:
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower jaw extends too far out, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth.
Crossbite
This is a situation where the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which leads to tooth stratification and misaligned jaw growth. This type of bite causes improper use of the lower jaw and sometimes brings about facial asymmetry.
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
This type of bite is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending forward enough. In both situations there is a significant impact on the appearance and function of your teeth.
Overbite
In an overbite, the upper front teeth extend too far out over the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth. Problems often associated with an overbite include a "gummy" smile, protruding lips, and excessive incisor wear.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gums. This is the most common reason to invest in braces or Invisalign with your Tucson orthodontist. Not only is crowding unattractive, but it has been linked to periodontal problems and dental decay because it makes it harder to clean overlapping teeth surfaces.
Spacing
The opposite of crowding, spacing is most commonly caused by excessive jaw room for the size of erupting teeth. Spacing problems may be the result of missing teeth or they may only be a cosmetic or aesthetic issue. Spacing is another popular reason for getting braces at our Tucson orthodontic practice.
Openbite
In this case the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap, thus impacting proper chewing. Openbite may cause a number of unwanted habits, such as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking. Early evaluation and intervention by an orthodontist is essential for correcting an openbite.
Dental Midlines Not Matched
Dental midlines occur when the back bite does not fit or match properly. This can negatively impact jaw function and proper dental function.
Other Common Reasons to See Your Orthodontist:
In addition to the above common orthodontic problems (which are specific conditions) other reasons to see your orthodontist include experiencing:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Sucking the thumb/fingers, or other oral habits
- Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or are recessed
- Speech difficulty
- Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of mouth
- Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don't meet at all
- Facial imbalance or asymmetry (features out of proportion to the rest of the face)
- Grinding or clenching of teeth
- Inability to comfortably close lips
Visit Your Local Tucson Orthodontist Today
If you think you or your child may have one of these common orthodontic problems, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bedoya at our Tucson, AZ office today! We will evaluate your condition and discuss orthodontic treatment options ranging from traditional metal braces to clear aligners like Invisalign. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you smile brighter!