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3. What are the most commonly treated orthodontic
problems?
Overjet or protruding upper front teeth: Upper front teeth
that protrude (stick out) beyond normal contact with the lower front
teeth are prone to fracture. In addition, upper protrusion of the
front teeth often indicates a poor bite of the back teeth (molars),
and may indicate disproportionate upper and lower jaw growth. Commonly,
protruded upper front teeth are associated with a lower jaw that is
either too short or too small in proportion to the upper jaw. Thumb
and finger sucking habits can also cause a protrusion of the upper
front teeth.
 Deep
overbite: A deep overbite or deep bite occurs when the lower
front teeth bite too close or into the gum tissue behind the upper
front teeth in the roof of the mouth. When the lower front teeth bite
into the palate or gum tissue behind the upper front teeth, significant
discomfort and even periodontal (bone and gum) damage can occur. A
deep bite can also contribute to excessive wear of the upper and lower
teeth.
Open bite: An open bite results
when the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting down.
This open space between the upper and lower front teeth causes all
the chewing pressure to be placed on the back teeth. This excessive
biting pressure and rubbing together of the back teeth makes chewing
less efficient and may contribute to significant tooth wear and jaw
joint problems.
Spacing: If teeth are missing or
small, or the jawbone is very wide, space between the teeth can occur.
The most common complaint from individuals with excessive space in
either the upper or lower jawbone is poor appearance.
Crossbite: The most common type
of crossbite is when the upper back teeth bite incorrectly inside
the lower back teeth (toward the tongue). Crossbites can occur with
the front teeth, too. Although crossbites can be successfully corrected
by orthodontic treatment at any time, crossbites of both the back
teeth and the front teeth are often best corrected at an early age
when the jawbones are most accommodating to change.
Underbite or lower jaw protrusion: About three to five percent
of the population has a lower jaw that is to some degree either larger
or longer than the upper jaw. This may cause the lower front teeth
to protrude (stick out) ahead of the upper front teeth creating a
crossbite. Individuals with this type of bite should have their tooth
development and jaw growth carefully monitored by Dr. Hendrix.
Bruxism: Bruxism is an abnormal jaw muscle pattern that causes
one to habitually grind or clench the teeth, particularly at night.
Bruxism can cause severe wear of the teeth and may eventually overload
and traumatize the jaw joint structures.
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