Common Orthodontic Problems
An orthodontic problem is called a "malocclusion", meaning "bad bite". Issues may include crowded teeth, extra teeth, missing teeth, or jaws that are out of alignment. Most issues are inherited although some may result from an accident, early or late loss of baby teeth, or prolonged sucking of the thumb or fingers.
Crowded teeth and spacing issues - Teeth may be too big, too small, too far apart or too close together which can result in poor alignment and make chewing difficult, affect speech, appear unattractive and be more difficult to clean.
'Buck teeth' - 'Buck teeth' or 'rabbit teeth' occur when the upper jaw grows too much and sticks out, or the lower jaw does not grow enough.
Underbite - This is much less common but occurs when the lower jaw outgrows the upper jaw. When biting together, the upper front teeth sit behind the lower teeth.
Overbite/deepbite - This is where the upper jaw bites down too far over the lower jaw and may bite into the lower gum. Lower teeth can bite up into the gum behind the upper teeth. This type of bite is also a risk factor for increased gum wear and tooth damage.
Openbite - This is where back teeth bite together but front teeth don't, so there is a gap between top and bottom teeth. It creates difficulty with eating, biting, chewing and speech and is often caused by abnormal jaw growth which could result in abnormal tongue habits.
Crossbite - Upper teeth should fit outside lower teeth like a lid on a box. If the upper jaw is too narrow, the lower jaw usually swings to one side to allow the back teeth to mesh.
Missing teeth - This can result in unattractive spaces. Opposing and adjacent teeth can drift into the space to create further problems.
Impacted teeth - Teeth may become impacted if they don't have sufficient space to erupt, or erupt in an unusual direction.
Ectopic teeth - Ectopic teeth are teeth which develop in the wrong position.
Thumb/finger sucking - This can mean teeth are pushed into a crooked position and sometimes the supporting bone is affected. Once sucking ceases, some degree of natural improvement often occurs.
'Buck teeth' - 'Buck teeth' or 'rabbit teeth' occur when the upper jaw grows too much and sticks out, or the lower jaw does not grow enough.
Underbite - This is much less common but occurs when the lower jaw outgrows the upper jaw. When biting together, the upper front teeth sit behind the lower teeth.
Overbite/deepbite - This is where the upper jaw bites down too far over the lower jaw and may bite into the lower gum. Lower teeth can bite up into the gum behind the upper teeth. This type of bite is also a risk factor for increased gum wear and tooth damage.
Openbite - This is where back teeth bite together but front teeth don't, so there is a gap between top and bottom teeth. It creates difficulty with eating, biting, chewing and speech and is often caused by abnormal jaw growth which could result in abnormal tongue habits.
Crossbite - Upper teeth should fit outside lower teeth like a lid on a box. If the upper jaw is too narrow, the lower jaw usually swings to one side to allow the back teeth to mesh.
Missing teeth - This can result in unattractive spaces. Opposing and adjacent teeth can drift into the space to create further problems.
Impacted teeth - Teeth may become impacted if they don't have sufficient space to erupt, or erupt in an unusual direction.
Ectopic teeth - Ectopic teeth are teeth which develop in the wrong position.
Thumb/finger sucking - This can mean teeth are pushed into a crooked position and sometimes the supporting bone is affected. Once sucking ceases, some degree of natural improvement often occurs.