NEW PATIENT INFORMATION

Common Bite Problems

What Age Is Best Braces and Appliances

For your interest, below we have outlined the most common problems that come in to our office. See if you can find out what your problem might include before you come in to see us.

Class II

Class II problems represent abnormal bite relationships in which the upper jaw and its teeth are located too far in front of the lower jaw and teeth. Most patients call this their "overbite" although the correct term is actually "overjet". Class II patients usually exhibit a convex facial profile with a recessed chin. In most cases, this relationship is due to inherited characteristics.

Class III

Class III problems are commonly called an underbite and are also primarily genetic in origin. In this instance, the lower jaw and teeth are positioned in front of the upper jaw structures. The facial 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.

Crowding & Spacing

Crowding of the teeth is probably the most common problem associated with the need for orthodontic care. Although many factors contribute to dental crowding, this problem usually stems from a discrepancy between space available in each jaw and the size of the teeth. 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.

Deep overbite

Excessive vertical overlapping of incisor teeth is generally found in association with a discrepancy between the length of the upper and lower jaws. It usually results in excessive eruption of the upper or lower incisors or both.

Openbite

A lack of vertical overlap of the incisor teeth can usually be traced to jaw disharmony or local factors (i.e., finger sucking habits and posturing of the tongue between the front teeth) or excessive vertical growth of one or both jaws. Early assessment and intervention with these disorders is critical to overall success.

Posterior Crossbite

Posterior crossbites usually result from a constricted upper jaw or abnormally wide lower jaw. A narrow upper jaw will often 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.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Problems with altered function of the TMJ (Jaw Joint) and associated muscles are usually the result of multiple factors. These factors may include facial injuries, stress, malocclusion, and parafunctional habits such as clenching and grinding. Symptoms can include headache, pain around the ear area, limited jaw movement or noticeable clicking or popping. In some types of TMJ dysfunction, orthodontic treatment may be very beneficial.

What Age Is Best Braces and Appliances

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