Common Orthodontic Issues

Common Issues Requiring Orthodontic Treatment

Did you know that while orthodontic treatment focuses on straightening your teeth, it can improve your whole body’s health? Many of the orthodontic treatments at Vitagliano Orthodontics, including aligning your teeth, positioning your jaw, and improving your bite patterns, can improve your self-confidence and overall oral health. At Vitagliano Orthodontics, we work hard to improve your life through our customized treatments.

Crowding Of The Teeth

Crowding indicates that your teeth don’t have enough room to grow properly in the gums; they are too close together. Crowding is one of the most common reasons why people get braces. While crowding may not look attractive, that isn’t the most important reason for correcting crowded teeth. Crowding is linked to periodontal issues and tooth decay, because cleaning overlapping teeth is very difficult.

Open Bite

If you have problems chewing, and your upper and lower front teeth don’t overlap, that is called an open bite. Having an open bite can result in some bad habits including tongue thrusting or thumb sucking. We recommend that you contact us as early as possible for evaluation and treatment to correct an open bite. We can evaluate your open bite and discuss with you how quickly to start treatment to correct it.

Deep Overbite

If your upper front teeth extend too far over your lower front teeth, that is called an overbite. Depending on the severity of your overbite, your lower teeth may bite into the roof of your mouth, and you may have a “gummy” smile, protruding lips, or excessive wear on your incisors.

Underbite

If your lower front teeth extend too far forward in comparison to your upper front teeth, that is called an underbite. In some patients, the lower teeth can sit completely in front of the upper teeth.

Spacing Of The Teeth

Spacing problems may be caused by missing teeth, or they may only be cosmetic or aesthetic issues. Spacing is another very common reason for beginning orthodontic treatment. The opposite of crowding, spacing is most commonly caused by excessive jaw room for the size of the erupting teeth.

Overjet

Similar to an overbite, an overjet refers to a condition where your upper teeth extend at an outward angle, causing them to extend far in front of your bottom teeth. The main difference between an overbite and an overjet is the angle at which the upper teeth site. With an overjet, they protrude diagonally, rather than straight down.