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 An orthodontic problem is called a malocclusion, meaning "bad bite." Some of the causes of malocclusion are crowded teeth, extra teeth, missing teeth or jaws that are out of alignment. Most malocclusions are inherited, although some can be acquired. Acquired malocclusions can be caused by accidents, early or late loss of baby teeth, or sucking of the thumb or fingers for a prolonged period of time.
Crowding & Spacing
These problems occur when your jaws line up, however, your teeth do not. You may have teeth that are too big or too small, too far apart or too close together which can result in poor alignment and sometimes making it hard to chew properly.
Overjet
This condition is known as overjet, 'buck teeth' or even 'rabbit teeth'. It occurs when the upper jaw grows too much and sticks out, or when the lower jaw does not grow enough and recedes.
Underbite
This malocclusion is much less common than the other types. It occurs when the lower jaw has outgrown the upper jaw. When you bite together your upper teeth sit in behind your lower teeth. Oral surgery may be needed to treat this.
Overbite/Deepbite
An overbite or deepbite is where your upper jaw bites down too far over your lower jaw and may be biting into the lower gum and your lower teeth can be biting up into the gum behind your upper teeth. This requires orthodontic treatment with braces and elastics to manoeuvre your teeth into a healthier bite that doesn't affect your gums.
Openbite
If you have an openbite then it means your back teeth bite together but your front teeth don't, in other words, there would be a gap between your top and bottom teeth. This creates difficulty with eating, biting and chewing as the upper and lower front teeth aren't closing/biting together.
Children and adults can both benefit from orthodontics. Untreated orthodontic problems will worsen over time. They may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, destruction of the bone that holds teeth in place, and chewing and digestive difficulties. Orthodontic problems can cause; abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth and misalignment of the jaw joints - sometimes leading to chronic headaches or pain in the face or neck.
Treating orthodontics problems early may be less costly than the restorative dental care required to treat more serious problems that can develop in later years.
For more information, please contact Medland Orthodontics on 07 5597 3344.
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