Common Orthodontic Problems or Malocclusion
Orthodontic issues are more common than you may realize. In fact, very few people have teeth that are naturally perfect. Problems such as crooked teeth, misaligned bites, and overcrowding can impact your ability to chew and speak clearly, as well as affect your oral hygiene and self-confidence.
These conditions, collectively referred to as malocclusion or a “bad bite,” can arise from various factors, including:
Genetics
Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use
Poor dental hygiene
Injuries or trauma
Dental diseases or birth defects
The good news is that orthodontic treatment from Dr. Sebastian Rodríguez can help. With a personalized treatment plan, we can enhance both the function of your bite and the beauty of your smile.
Here are some of the most common orthodontic problems we treat:
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
This occurs when the upper teeth extend too far forward, or the lower teeth don’t come forward enough, affecting both appearance and function. It can make it difficult to close the lips comfortably and may affect the bite during chewing. This condition often causes the teeth to be more exposed or vulnerable.
Overbite
An overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively, sometimes causing the lower teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth. This can place added pressure on the front teeth and cause discomfort over time. A deep overbite may also affect how the teeth fit together when biting down.
Crossbite
With a crossbite, the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which can lead to uneven jaw growth and alignment issues. This imbalance may cause the teeth to wear down unevenly and place strain on the jaw. In some cases, it may also shift the bite to one side during chewing.
Open Bite
An open bite means the upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when biting down, which can affect chewing and lead to habits like tongue thrusting. It may cause difficulty when biting into food or speaking clearly. This bite problem can also affect how the back teeth come together.
Crowding
Crowding happens when there isn’t enough space for teeth to erupt properly. In many cases, expansion techniques can create room and avoid tooth removal. Teeth may overlap, twist, or grow in the wrong position due to lack of space. This can make it more difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene.
Spacing
Spacing issues occur when there are gaps between teeth, sometimes due to missing teeth or simply cosmetic concerns. These gaps can affect the alignment of the bite and the balance of the smile. Spacing may also lead to food trapping and speech issues in some cases.
Underbite
An underbite is when the lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth. This condition may affect the function of the bite and overall facial symmetry. It can also make it harder to chew and speak properly.
