Common Problems

These are some common orthodontic conditions. Please note that more than one problem may exist in any particular patient and they all can be helped with orthodontics. Upon a thorough examination, Drs. Lebus or Rothstein will be able to diagnose the problem and provide treatment options.

Crossbite

An individual with a crossbite will have teeth that are out of place when the mouth is closed. In most instances, this means that one set of your teeth will either fall inside or outside of the opposing set. For example, your upper teeth may sit inside of the lower teeth when the jaw is closed. Many of the causes of crossbite are apparent in childhood or early adulthood. Two of the biggest causes of crossbite are heredity and delayed loss of baby teeth. Both of these situations could cause the teeth to be out of their proper positioning. Misaligned teeth can cause premature wear and muscular problems in the jaw.

Crowding

If your teeth are crooked, turned or overlapped, you are not alone – virtually 90% of the population has an orthodontic condition known as crowding. Generally caused by genetics (e.g., a relatively small jaw or relatively large teeth) or by habits such as nail biting and thumb sucking, crowding is easily fixed with orthodontia.

Openbite

Openbite is an oral condition that occurs when certain teeth, usually your front teeth, do not make contact with each other. Openbite gives the illusion that a person’s mouth is never really closed because there is always space between the teeth. Since openbite is not a common problem, those who seek treatment do so primarily for aesthetic reasons. For patients that have moderate to extreme openbite, treatment is important since the condition can affect the joints of the jaw and cause recurring pain throughout the region.

There are a number of circumstances that could be responsible for openbite. Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting are habits that can have an effect on the development of openbite. Speech problems such as lisping can also cause openbite. Genetics can create a situation where the upper and lower jaw is unaligned. While openbite can often be treated with braces, in moderate to extreme cases, a more complex solution is required. These cases are more difficult to handle because both the teeth and the jaw are involved. Many individuals with moderate to extreme openbite require surgery to correct their jaw. In addition, they need braces before and after the surgery to achieve proper alignment.

Overbite

Overbite describes the vertical position of the front teeth, not the horizontal, as in overjet. In a correct overbite, the upper teeth should cover the lower teeth 1-2 mm or 20-30%. A deep bite (when the upper teeth cover the lower teeth more than the amount stated above) can cause excessive force on the front teeth during chewing. A deep bite can also entrap the lower jaw, which can cause damage to the jaw joint.
Deep overbites can usually be corrected with orthodontics alone. An orthodontist can determine when to correct the problem and how long it will take.

Overjet

Overjet describes the position of the upper and lower front teeth. This condition, commonly referred to as “buck teeth,” occurs when the upper teeth stick out in relation to the lower teeth. It is normal and healthy for the upper teeth to be slightly in front of the lower teeth in order to function properly, however when too far in front of the lower teeth, the teeth are unable to function properly. The front teeth or, “incisors,” allow the back teeth to chew efficiently by separating the back teeth, thus avoiding side-to-side and potentially destructive movements. The back teeth are designed for up and down crushing of food, while the front teeth are for cutting and the side teeth are for tearing.

The severity of the overjet can determine the type and length of treatment, as well as the best age to start treatment. The modality of treatment can range from orthodontics alone to a combination therapy of orthodontics and jaw surgery in severe cases. A careful examination can determine the extent of you or your child’s overjet and the proper treatment and timing.

Spacing

In orthodontics spacing means exactly what it sounds like: there is too much space between your teeth. This condition is the exact opposite of crowding. Spacing occurs in approximately 5 to 10% of the population. Like crowding, spacing may be caused by genetic factors. For example, if you inherit a large jaw from your mother, but small-sized teeth from your father, you probably will have too much space in your mouth! Spacing may affect all of your teeth, or just a portion of them. In addition, chronic thumb sucking as a child can also create or widen spaces between the teeth.

In most cases, spacing is only a cosmetic concern and can be treated with braces or Invisalign. Typically, patients with excess spacing between their teeth are treated for 9-12 months, followed by the use of a retainer (to maintain the teeth’s new position). In rare cases, however, spacing may significantly affect your ability to bite or chew. In these circumstances, orthodontic “braces” are required.