Orthodontics is not just used for cosmetic and aesthetic treatment to realign your smile. In many cases, treatment can be used to correct a wide range of dental problems to improve your overall oral health and prevent future issues from arising.
Crowding of the Teeth
Crowding is one of the most common reasons people choose to receive orthodontic treatment and occurs when the teeth do not have enough room to erupt from the gums and fit naturally. Overcrowding is not only unattractive, but it can also lead to rotated, displaced or misaligned teeth, dental decay, and other periodontal issues.
Open Bite
Open bite is when the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. This type of bite can impact proper chewing and cause a number of other unwanted habits such as tongue thrusting. Early evaluation and treatment is essential to correcting open bite.
Underbite
An underbite refers to the protrusion of the lower jaw in relation to the upper jaw, making the chin look overly prominent. This causes the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth.
Spacing of Teeth
The opposite of crowding, spacing may only be a cosmetic issue or can be caused by missing teeth. This problem is another common reason for orthodontic treatment.
Overbite
In contrast, an overbite is when the front teeth extend too far out over the lower front teeth. This type of bite can cause protruding lips, a more “toothy” appearance, and excessive incisor wear. In extreme cases, the lower teeth can bite into the palate, or roof of the mouth, known as a deep overbite.