Common Orthodontic Problems
- Crowding: is a common orthodontic problem. Crowded teeth can appear unattractive and can be difficult to clean.
- Protruded Teeth: Protruded teeth can appear unattractive and be more prone to damage. The lower front teeth often over-erupt and damage the palate behind the top front teeth.
- Deep Bite: The upper front teeth cover most (or all) or the lower front teeth. A deep bite can cause excessive wear of the front teeth and gum damage behind the upper front teeth.
- Thumb Sucking: Sucking of the thumb (or fingers) can deform nearby teeth and supporting bone.
- Under Bite: The lower front teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth. An underbite can appear unattractive and cause uneven wear of the front teeth.
- Open Bite: Open bite exists when some teeth don’t meet. It can cause eating problems, speech problems, and excessive wear of those teeth which do meet. An open bite can also appear unattractive.
- Cross Bite: The upper teeth should fit outside the lower teeth like a lid on a box. If the upper jaw is too narrow, the lower jaw usually swings to one side to allow the teeth to mesh.
- Missing Teeth: A cross bite results in missing teeth. Missing teeth can be very unattractive. By moving all teeth into correct position, proper space can be created to facilitate replacement of the missing teeth.