Orthodontic Disorders

Crossbite

Crossbite can occur in the front and/or the sides of the mouth. One or more upper teeth bite on the inside of the lower teeth. This can occur with a single tooth or multiple teeth. Early correction of crossbite is recommended.

Crossbite should be corrected because it can:

• Cause premature wear of the teeth
• Cause gum disease, including bone loss
• Cause asymmetrical development of the jaws
• Cause dysfunctional chewing patterns
• Make your smile less attractive

How can a crossbite be orthodontically corrected?

If there is a single tooth crossbite, the tooth can be moved with braces into the correct position. In some cases, a retainer can be used. With multiple teeth in crossbite, the arch needs to be expanded with braces or other intra-oral appliances.

 

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Openbite

Open bite is an insufficient vertical overlap of the teeth. It is caused by oral habits such as tongue thrust, digit sucking or by the jaws growing unevenly. Timing of treatment is critical to the overall success of the therapy.

How can an openbite be orthodontically corrected?

Open bite can be corrected through growth modification of the jaws using braces, extrusion of the front and anterior teeth, and in some cases, surgical correction of the jaws. Breaking harmful oral habits, such as finger-sucking, will help to correct an open bite.

 

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Overbite

Class II Overbite

Overbite occurs when the upper front teeth protrude over the lower front teeth. Generally, there is no contact between the upper and lower front teeth. Often you cannot see the lower incisors. Overbite is due to the eruption of a disproportionate number of front teeth or to overdevelopment of the bone that supports the teeth, as well as a front-to-back discrepancy in the growth of the upper or lower jaw (Class II relationship). An overbite is also known as a deep bite.

Overbite should be corrected because it can:

• Cause improper functioning of your front teeth
• Greatly reduce the overall growth of the lower jaw
• Result in the lower front teeth biting into the gum tissue of the upper palate leading to tissue problems
• Unusual wear of the lower front teeth
• Cause jaw or joint problems
• Make your smile less attractive

How can an overbite be orthodontically corrected?

Overbite can be corrected through moving the front teeth up and/or bringing the back teeth together, which will "open" the bite so the teeth are properly aligned and the deep bite is eliminated.

 

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Overjet

Class II Overjet

Overjet is also known as protrusion. In this case, the lower teeth are too far behind the upper front teeth. This can be caused by an improper alignment of the molars (Class II relationship), a skeletal imbalance of the upper and lower jaw; flared upper incisors; missing lower teeth; or a combination of all of the above. In addition, oral habits such as thumb sucking, finger sucking, or tongue thrusting can exacerbate the condition.

Overjet should be corrected because it can:

• Prevent proper functioning of the front teeth
• Lead to premature wear
• Lead to posturing the jaw forward and stretching the TMJ joint ligaments
• Make your smile less attractive

How can overjet be orthodontically corrected?

Overjet in children can be corrected through growth modification using a functional appliance and/or elastics to reduce the skeletal imbalance. Extraction of teeth may be necessary if there is significant crowding or protrusion. In non-growing patients, severe overjet is corrected though either extraction of teeth or jaw surgery to advance the lower jaw.

 

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Underbite

Class III Underbite

The lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. An underbite is usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or a combination of the two (Class III relationship). Underbite can also be caused by flared upper incisors, missing lower teeth, or a combination of all the above. Early correction of underbite is recommended.

Underbite should be corrected because it can:

• Prevent proper functioning of the front teeth or molars which can lead to premature wear of the teeth
• Cause chewing or eating problems
• Cause jaw or joint problems
• Lead to even more lower jaw growth
• Make your smile less attractive

How can an underbite be orthodontically corrected?

Underbite can be corrected through growth modification of the jaws, extraction of teeth and in some cases, surgical correction of the jaws. It is very important to see these patients at age seven to begin orthopedic growth modification while the bones of the face are pliable.