Common Conditions Corrected

Posterior crossbites usually result from a constricted upper jaw or unusually wide lower jaw. A narrow upper jaw will force a patient to move their lower jaw forward or to the side when closing into a stable bite. When closed into this accommodated position, the lower teeth are located outside the upper teeth. This posturing may result in an incorrect functional position of the lower jaw with accompanying facial asymmetry.

Crowding of the teeth is the most common problem associated with the need for orthodontic care. Although many factors contribute to the dental crowding, this problem usually stems from a discrepancy between the space available in each jaw and the size of the teeth. Aside from aesthetic considerations, poor alignment of teeth may be associated with periodontal problems and an increased risk of dental decay due to difficulty in maintaining proper oral hygiene.

Excessive vertical overlapping of incisor teeth called deepbite or “overbite” is generally found in association with a discrepancy between the length of the upper and lower jaws. It usually results in excessive eruption of either the upper or lower incisors or both. Associated problems include: 1) excessive display of gum tissue 2) lip protrusion 3) biting the roof of the mouth and 4) incisor wear.

Prominent teeth problems represent abnormal bite relationships in which the upper jaw and teeth project ahead of the lower jaw. Such patients usually exhibit a convex facial profile with a deficient chin prominence. Typically a problem with prominent teeth is inherited and results in a shorter then normal lower jaw. Other factors, such as persistent thumb-sucking can aggravate these problems. Correction of this disorder generally requires influencing facial growth to bring the upper and lower jaws into their proper position.

Spaces between teeth are another common problem associated with the need for orthodontic care. Like crowding, spacing may be related to a tooth-to-jaw size disharmony. Gum tissue attachment called “frenum” is also a common cause of spacing between the front teeth. Excessive vertical overlap of the front teeth as well as incisor protrusion may lead to spacing. Other contributing factors include atypical or unusually narrow teeth, and missing or impacted teeth.

Underbite problems (also known as anterior crossbite) are also primarily genetic in origin. In this instance, the lower jaw and teeth displace to the front of the upper jaw. Facially, the appearance may give the impression that the lower jaw is excessively large, but in many cases the lack of upper jaw development is at fault.