While we here at Lake Jackson Orthodontics appreciate the beauty in every smile, we are grateful for the opportunity to help make patients’ smiles healthier and more functional. We usually achieve this by adjusting a patient’s bite, or the way their upper and lower teeth come together, to promote a more optimal relationship between the teeth and jaws. The different bite issues, also known as malocclusions, that orthodontics can solve can cause many issues, including:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Increased wear on and damage to tooth enamel
- Gum problems
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)
- Headaches
- Sleep disorders
- Deteriorated cosmetic appearance
- Speech irregularities
- Difficulties with eating or chewing
There are several different types of malocclusions, and while some may be symptomless, others can be inconvenient and even painful. If you suspect a malocclusion in yourself or your child, take a look below at the most common types of bite issues, the symptoms they can cause, and what Lake Jackson Orthodontics can do to treat them.
The seven most common bite issues in children and adults
Overcrowding
Overcrowding is one of the most common orthodontic conditions and is the biggest reason we see adults seeking orthodontic treatment. Overcrowding is often due to a lack of space, which can result in overlapped, crooked teeth that are difficult to clean.
Spacing
Spacing issues can occur between two or more teeth. Some of the most common causes for this malocclusion are missing teeth, small teeth, tongue thrusting, and thumb sucking. If there is too much space or too little space for the teeth, it can result in crowding, which can impact the eruption of the permanent teeth.
Open bite
With an open bite, the front teeth do not overlap the lower teeth. If it’s the upper and lower front teeth that don’t overlap, it results in an opening that leads straight into the mouth. An open bite that affects the front teeth is known as an anterior open bite, but this problem can also occur on the sides of the mouth.
Overbite
It’s perfectly normal to have some overlap of the lower front teeth is normal, but an increased overbite can cause your front teeth to bite down onto your gums, or your lower front teeth to bite into the roof of your mouth.
Underbite (or anterior crossbite)
If the lower front teeth are positioned much further forward than the upper front teeth, it results in an underbite, which is also known as an anterior crossbite.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when your upper teeth bite inside your lower teeth. This can happen on one or both sides of your jaw and can affect your front or back teeth.
Overjet
An overjet causes the top teeth to extend past the bottom teeth horizontally. This protrusion can interfere with chewing food and speaking properly.
When and how should I seek treatment for bite issues?
As mentioned above, the symptoms associated with malocclusions can range from nonexistent to severe, depending on the type of malocclusion present. Your regular dentist should be checking for malocclusions during check-ups, particularly in children, so even painless malocclusions can be caught with the proper dental care. If the teeth appear to be misaligned or the jaw seems distorted, you may be referred to an orthodontist like Dr. McGrory, who will examine the teeth and mouth, take x-rays of the teeth and face, and go over your past medical history to identify any existing oral issues.
In the same way that regular dental visits can help your dentist catch problems before they become more serious, early and regular orthodontic evaluations can help find potential orthodontic issues so that treatment can be initiated before problems become more severe and require more intensive treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by around the age of seven for this reason. Dental check-ups should begin around the time of a baby’s first birthday.
Treating bite issues and malocclusions
It may not always be necessary to initiate corrective treatment for a malocclusion, particularly if they are minor enough that no symptoms exist. However, corrective orthodontic treatment will often be the best course of action for treating moderate to severe malocclusions to ensure an aligned smile that is also fully functional.
This treatment may include removing teeth, putting on braces or customizing aligners, using retainers or oral splints, or surgery. Surgery is generally seen as a last resort option when it comes to treatment, but braces, tooth extraction, and retainers or oral splints may be administered alone or simultaneously, depending on the particulars of the case and the desired outcome.
Successfully treating a troublesome malocclusion has many benefits that extend beyond achieving a proper bite and attractive smile. Teeth will often be easier to brush and floss, reducing the risk of cavities and tooth decay, and improving oral health overall. It can also limit any strain placed on the teeth and jaw, which lowers the potential of ending up with broken or chipped teeth. Many patients find their TMJ is eased or eliminated.
Make malocclusion a thing of the past with Lake Jackson Orthodontics
If you have a child who is the right age for their first orthodontic exam or you suspect you may have a malocclusion yourself, our team would love to take a look and make sure everything is lining up as it should! Dr. McGrory and his team are dedicated to providing high-quality, individualized, affordable orthodontic care for families in Lake Jackson and surrounding communities.
We work hard to provide only the best orthodontic experience for you and your family from start to finish, so get in touch with us today to schedule a FREE consultation. This is the perfect time to take the first steps toward a beautiful, healthy smile!