Various Orthodontic Disorders in Peoria Arizona

Dentists treat many orthodontic disorders, and each must be treated differently. Many patients have several orthodontic disorders at the same time. Here is a short description of some of the more common orthodontic disorders.

1. Crossbite

When a patient puts their teeth together the upper teeth should fit comfortably over the top of the lower teeth. If when a patient puts their teeth together and any of the upper teeth are on the inside of the lower teeth they are said to have a crossbite. It’s recommended that a crossbite be corrected early since the condition tends to worsen over time and can cause problems such as irregular growth of the lower jaw and adverse wear of the teeth.

2. Open Bite

When a patient attempts to put their teeth together but the teeth on the top and bottom of the mouth do not touch this is called an open bite. This can be caused by a problem in the temperomandibular joint or by behaviors such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. Your Peoria AZ dentist can determine the cause of a crossbite and recommend behavioral and/or orthodontic treatment.

3. Overbite

An overbite occurs when the upper jaw protrudes farther than usual causing the upper teeth to overlap the bottom teeth farther than normal. This is the most common reason for orthodontics treatment. Sometimes early treatment with a functional appliance can prevent the need for lengthy orthodontics. A patient should have their overbite evaluated by a dental professional in Peoria since an overbite can lead to TMJ and jaw pain, excessive tooth wear, problems with chewing, and damage to tissues in the upper palate.

4. Overjet

The term overjet refers to a bite where the upper front teeth protrude and the lower front teeth are too far behind the upper front teeth. An overjet can be hereditary or can be caused by habits such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting. An overjet should be corrected since it can lead to excessive wear of the teeth and also can leave a patient feeling self-conscious. Sometimes early intervention with the use of a functional appliance or the extraction of overcrowded teeth can lessen an overjet, but the use of orthodontics is often required to correct the overjet completely.

5. Underbite

An underbite occurs when a patient’s lower teeth protrude over the top teeth when the jaws are closed. Although thumb sucking and tongue thrusting may exacerbate the condition the cause is most often hereditary. An underbite should be treated as soon as possible as it will continue to worsen, possibly causing difficulty in chewing, abnormal tooth wear and TMJ pain.

As you can see most malocclusions (bad bites) can cause physical problems if left untreated. They can also affect your appearance and your self confidence. Call Aesthetic Dentistry of Arrowhead to schedule a consultation. Dr. Ceyhan will examine and evaluate any oral problems. He can then determine a treatment plan to align your teeth for an improved bite and a beautiful smile.