It’s common knowledge that orthodontists like those at Boerne Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry straighten teeth with braces. What isn’t always obvious is the why behind what we do. Of course, a straight, beautiful smile is a wonderful result of treatment but orthodontic care is about much more than that. When someone is suffering from malocclusion - the technical term for the misalignment of the teeth - they can find themselves struggling with oral health, speech, chewing, breathing, jaw pain, and more.
Malocclusions And Their Effects on Oral Health
Malocclusions - or bite problems - happen when the teeth on the top and the bottom don’t align as they are supposed to. This is often caused by genetics, but can also occur due to thumb sucking, extended pacifier use, or injury to the mouth and jaw. Left untreated, a misaligned bite can cause tooth wear, increased risk of decay, jaw pain, gum recession, speech problems, eating problems, and decreased self-esteem. Keep reading to learn more about the most common types of malocclusions, how they impact oral health and how treatment can fix the problem.
Overbite
An overbite is what it’s called when the upper front teeth overlap too far over the lower front teeth. This can cause:
- Enamel Erosion
- Tooth Wear
- Jaw Pain
- Speech Issues
Most overbites can be remedied through traditional braces or Invisalign, depending on the severity of the overbite.
Underbite
When the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed, this is known as an underbite. Side effects of an underbite include:
- Problems chewing
- Increased risk of jaw pain
- Tooth wear and chipping
- Speech problems
When an underbite is caught early, orthodontic appliances such as a palatal expander can help prevent it from worsening. Traditional braces or Invisalign can also shift the teeth to proper positioning to fix the problem. For the most severe cases, jaw surgery may be required.
Crossbite
Sometimes just some of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of on the outside. This is what we call a crossbite. Patients with a crossbite may eventually notice:
- Tooth wear, chipping, or fractures
- Shifting of the jaw
- Gum recession
- Jaw pain
Appliances such as palatal expanders can help widen the upper jaw when treated in childhood, with braces or Invisalign also an option to move teeth to their correct positioning. Severe cases may require surgery.
Other types of malocclusions include open bite, deep bite, crowding, and spacing issues that cause gaps. Every kind of malocclusion can lead to more severe dental concerns if not dealt with early. The earlier the problem is fixed, the healthier your teeth can be!
Schedule A Consultation with Boerne Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry Today
Malocclusions are common and easily treated, especially when you can get an early start. The team at Boerne Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry is here to evaluate your teeth, mouth, and jaw to determine the best solution for your dental problems. Our orthodontist can treat a variety of issues with braces, Invisalign, appliances, surgery, or a combination if necessary. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care to make sure you finish treatment with a healthy, aligned smile you’re proud to show off! Schedule a consultation today to get started.