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Are you unhappy with your smile? Do you experience discomfort or difficulty when eating or speaking? You may be one of the many people suffering from crowding, overbites, or crossbites.
These common orthodontic issues can affect your appearance and overall oral health. But don’t worry—there are treatment options available to correct these issues and give you the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve.
Let’s discuss these common orthodontic issues and their treatment options.
Crowding
Crowding is one of the most common orthodontic problems and occurs when there is insufficient space in the mouth for all the teeth to fit properly. This lack of space can lead to overlapping or crooked teeth and can significantly affect the aesthetics of your smile.
Crowded teeth are not only a cosmetic concern but can also pose significant oral health challenges. They can be harder to clean effectively, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Treatment Options
Treatment for crowding often involves creating space for the teeth to align properly. This could mean expanding the dental arch, extracting certain teeth, or a combination of both. Once space is created, orthodontists use braces or aligners to move the teeth into their correct positions gradually.
Overbite
An overbite, medically referred to as a type of malocclusion, is a dental condition in which the upper front teeth overlap or protrude over the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed. This overlap is typically measured in percentages, and it’s considered normal to have a slight overbite, often between 5% and 25%. This condition is so common that it’s often seen as the ideal relationship between the upper and lower front teeth.
However, when the degree of overlap exceeds the normal range, the condition is called a pronounced or deep overbite, also known as a vertical overbite. This is where the upper teeth significantly overlap the bottom teeth, sometimes causing the lower teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
Several potential causes of an overbite include genetics, thumb-sucking or prolonged use of a pacifier during childhood, nail-biting, chewing on pencils or other objects, or poor oral habits such as tongue thrusting.
Treatment Options
Overbites can be corrected using different orthodontic treatments depending on the severity of the condition. Braces are commonly used, particularly for children and teenagers, as they can effectively shift the teeth and reshape the bone.
Invisalign, a clear aligner system, can also correct overbites in both teens and adults. In severe cases, orthodontists may recommend orthognathic surgery.
Crossbite
A crossbite is a type of malocclusion or misalignment of teeth where the upper and lower teeth do not meet as they should. In a normal bite, the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth.
However, in a crossbite, some or all upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth. This can occur on one or both sides of the mouth and involve a single tooth or groups of teeth.
Crossbites can be categorized into two types:
- Anterior Crossbite: This is when the top front teeth sit behind the lower front teeth, giving an ‘underbite’ appearance.
- Posterior Crossbite: This occurs when the top back teeth sit inside the lower back teeth.
The causes of a crossbite are usually genetic, meaning it is often passed down from parents to children. However, other factors such as delayed tooth eruption, early loss of baby teeth, or prolonged thumb sucking, or pacifier use can also contribute to the development of a crossbite.
Treatment Options
The treatment for a crossbite largely depends on the patient’s age and the severity of the condition. Palatal expanders are often used in children to widen the upper jaw and correct the crossbite.
Braces or Invisalign can also be used to move teeth into the correct positions. Orthognathic surgery may be needed in adults whose jaw bones have fully developed.
Orthodontist in Eugene, OR
Orthodontic issues, such as crowding, overbites, and crossbites, can significantly impact your oral health, confidence, and quality of life. At 360 Dental, we understand these challenges and are committed to providing advanced, professional dentistry in a family-friendly environment.
Under the expert care of Dr. Ari Binder, we also offer comprehensive preventive care and the best in restorative dentistry. Our team employs the most advanced diagnostic and treatment methods, ensuring you receive top-quality care tailored to your needs.
To find out more about how we can help you, call us today at (541) 689-1645 or request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!
