Common Issues
When the teeth and jaws don’t fit together correctly, orthodontic treatment is usually required to address the issue. When these issues—called malocclusions are left untreated, it can lead to speech difficulties, premature wear and tear of teeth and increased risk of injury. Below are the most common issues seen in patients.
An Underbite
This is when the lower teeth extent farther than the upper teeth.
An Overbite
This is the opposite of an underbite. The top teeth overlap the bottom teeth. Issues associated with this are a gummy smile, protruding lips, and excessive incisor wear.
A Crossbite
This type of oral misalignment occurs when the top and lower teeth close in a bite; the two sets of teeth don’t meet correctly.
An Open Bite
When there is no contact between the top and bottom teeth it is called an open bite. This type of bite affects proper chewing and causes unwanted habits.
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
This occurs when the front teeth stick out forward – over the lower teeth. This type of oral misalignment is also referred to as “buck teeth.”
Crowding
When there is inadequate space in the mouth available, crowding occurs. This is the most common reason why patients seek braces in Orlando.
Spacing Problems
When there is unnecessary jaw room for the teeth, this results in cosmetic or aesthetic issues. Spacing issues can also arise from missing teeth.
Dental Midlines Not Matched
This is an asymmetry issue where the center of the upper front teeth and bottom front teeth are misaligned or don’t match.
To learn more about oral misalignment, contact our office in Orlando. Our orthodontist near you will be happy to meet you during a scheduled consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common orthodontic issues in children and adolescents are crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth, spaces between teeth, overbite, underbite, and crossbite. These occur when the jaws or teeth are not aligned correctly. If left untreated, these issues may impact chewing, speech, and even a child’s confidence about their smile. At All About Smiles Orthodontics, we thoroughly examine for these problems and develop an individualized treatment plan to ensure your child’s teeth develop properly.
If your child has trouble biting or chewing food, teeth that stick out, or their jaw seems to click or make noise, it might be time for an orthodontic checkup. Other signs include mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or losing baby teeth too early or too late. Even if you’re not sure, bringing your child to All About Smiles Orthodontics around age 7 helps us catch problems early and plan for the optimal treatment when needed.
Yes, most bite issues can be treated using braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign. These devices slowly shift the teeth into their proper place. They are ideal for problems with overbite, underbite, and overlapping teeth. At All About Smiles Orthodontics, we provide braces and clear aligners, and we will assist you in determining the ideal option for your child’s smile and requirements.
Early treatment of orthodontic issues can make a great impact. When we identify problems early, we can direct the jaw growth and create room for adult teeth to erupt properly. Early treatment may also prevent more complicated dental procedures later on. At All About Smiles Orthodontics, we check for signs of trouble during a child’s first visit and decide if early care is needed or if we should wait and monitor their smile.
If orthodontic care is postponed, the issues will deteriorate over time. Teeth become more crowded or difficult to clean, which can result in cavities or gum disease. Bite problems may also result in jaw pain or difficulty chewing effectively. We advise beginning care at the appropriate time so your child’s smile remains healthy and strong as they age at All About Smiles Orthodontics.
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