The American Association of Orthodontists estimates that one out of every four people seeking treatment is an adult. Why are so many Americans seeking and receiving orthodontic treatment? Bite problems, or malocclusions, cause extreme discomfort and often lead to other health issues. Are you experiencing oral discomfort and other symptoms like headaches and jaw pain? You could have an undiagnosed bite problem. Read on to learn more about the common types of bite problems.
Table of Contents
1. Deep Bite Problems
All deep bites are overbites, but not all overbites are deep bites. A deep bite causes the top teeth to cover the bottom teeth.
This bite issue forms from missing teeth, genetics, teeth grinding, or a small jaw. It causes permanent tooth loss.
When the cusps of your top teeth constantly scrape the gums on the opposite jaw, the tissue surrounding those teeth degrades. You also run a higher risk of infection due to these constant injuries.
2. Open Bite Problems
Posterior and anterior open bites are your inability to close your teeth.
With posterior open bites, your back teeth close while your front teeth do not. Anterior is the opposite. Your front teeth close, and your back teeth do not.
Open bite issues can occur because of tiny or irregular teeth. They most often form due to early childhood behavior like thumb sucking.
These oral issues lead to possible speech impediments and problems swallowing.
3. Underbite Problems
The main underbite characteristic is a protrusion of the lower jaw that causes lower teeth to cover the top teeth. Underbites develop because of a narrow upper palate.
Orthodontic treatment may also cause an underbite, as it is one of the leading bite problems after braces. Teeth straightening can reveal structural issues like a smaller jaw or narrow upper palate.
If you have bite problems after Invisalign or braces, you may need additional treatment like bands or surgery.
4. Overbite Problems
Overbites are the inverse of underbites. Your upper jaw protrudes beyond your lower jaw, causing your top teeth to cover the bottom. Children’s overbite problems show at an early age.
Overbites cause severe tooth damage. The incorrect bite causes enamel wear, tooth decay, and weak gums. This type of tooth wear also causes teeth to weaken and chip.
If you suffer from an overbite, your orthodontist will recommend braces or other appliances.
5. Crowding Problems
Teeth that don’t have ample room to grow will crowd. These crowded teeth can overlap, twist, or grow behind other teeth.
Genetics is the primary cause of this bite issue. People born with large teeth or a small mouth will experience crowding.
Dental procedures will also contribute to crowding, as it is one of the most common bite issues after a crown. A too-large dental crown causes teeth to shift over time.
Crowding treatments include palate extenders, braces, or tooth extraction.
Fix Your Bite Problems
Do you suffer from chronic headaches and jaw pain? Are your teeth crooked? You don’t have to live with it any longer. Make an appointment with an orthodontist to solve these common bite problems today.
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