What Are the Common Orthodontic Conditions?

What Are the Common Orthodontic Conditions?

Posted by Smile Orthodontics Apr 27, 2023

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Orthodontic treatment is a way to improve the appearance and alignment of your teeth. Braces and aligners are commonly used to straighten teeth. However, orthodontic treatment can improve the appearance and alignment of your teeth, as well as improve your bite. Orthodontic treatment can also alleviate jaw pain caused by misalignment. Here are some common orthodontic conditions that people face:

Gaps in Teeth

The most common orthodontic condition is spacing. This condition occurs when someone is missing a tooth or several teeth. The missing teeth can cause the teeth to shift, which can lead to crooked teeth and further oral health problems. Gaps can be dealt with using procedures and appliances like braces and aligners. Some people may have a gap in their teeth simply due to genetics. In other cases, an injury or accident may have caused the tooth loss. It is best to treat tooth gaps as soon as possible to avoid further complications.

Braces or Invisalign can be used to close gaps in teeth so that there are fewer spaces in the mouth. This can help prevent other teeth from shifting into the gap and causing misalignments. In many cases, an orthodontist will recommend combining the use of braces with other types of treatments to close gaps and complete orthodontic treatment.

Crowded Teeth

Crowded teeth can occur when the jaw size is too small for the adult teeth to fit in it. It can also occur when the jaw shifts forward during growth or if one or more permanent teeth are lost earlier than normal. A lack of space for the adult teeth can also push other teeth out of alignment.

There are many treatment options available for overcrowded teeth. At the start of treatment, the orthodontist may recommend removing baby teeth and preparing the gums for orthodontic treatment. If overcrowding is caused by an abnormal bite, then an orthodontic appliance can be used to correct the problem. Retainers and braces can be used after orthodontic treatment to keep teeth straight.

Crossbite

If your upper teeth bite inside your lower teeth, you may have a crossbite. This occurs when your upper teeth are pushed forward by the lower teeth when they are closed together. This can lead to uneven wear on your teeth. The teeth may also cause jaw discomfort, headaches, and earaches. These symptoms can be alleviated with an orthodontic treatment that repositions the jaws.

Underbite

An underbite is where one’s jaw protrudes forward, causing the lower teeth to overlap the upper teeth. This can occur because the lower teeth are misaligned, or the upper teeth are too large for the mouth. You might also have an underbite if you’ve experienced facial trauma or an unbalanced orthodontic treatment plan.

Braces or Invisalign® treatment can correct an underbite by gradually moving the teeth into their proper positions. Once your teeth are in alignment, your dentist will recommend wearing a retainer to prevent future misalignments.

Overbite

An overbite is when the front teeth overlap the bottom teeth too much. This can be genetic, or it can be caused by thumb-sucking – a common habit in children. Braces can help correct an overbite by slowly adjusting the upper jaw over time. The braces will put pressure on the teeth and jaws to move them back into alignment.

Open Bite

An open bite occurs if the back teeth close inside the front, causing some teeth to not be in contact with the opposing tooth. It’s normal for children to have an open bite until their permanent front teeth grow in, which is around age six. If the malocclusion is severe, it may require an orthodontic appliance or surgery to correct the problem.

To schedule a consultation with our dentist, contact Smile Orthodontics at 530 39th St, Des Moines, 50312, or call (515) 274-4637.

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Location

105 Valley West Dr,
West Des Moines 50265

Office Hours

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Location

530 39th St,
Des Moines 50312

Office Hours

MON - WED7:30 am - 4:30 pm

THU7:30 am - 3:30 pm

FRI - SUNClosed