Types of Teeth Conditions That Need Braces
More people today, both young and old, are currently going through orthodontic treatment and wearing braces than ever before in US history.
Each year, more than 4 million people in the United States alone receive orthodontic care for one reason or another. Out of this number, over a quarter of these people are adults.
This is a new development, considering people who wore braces in the past were often older children and teenagers. Now, due to increased access, growing popularity, and advanced treatment techniques, adults are beginning to take their smile into consideration more than before. In addition, zero-interest financing with Burke & Redford Orthodontists in Temecula makes treatment affordable for all.
What are the Reasons for Needing Braces?
There is a wide variety of reasons for getting braces. Whether it is due to unnatural spacing between the teeth, significant crowding, a severe malocclusion (bad bite), or simply a smile that one is not fully satisfied with, there are several conditions that orthodontics can address.
At Burke & Redford Orthodontists, our board-certified orthodontists utilize their wealth of knowledge and expertise to accurately diagnose the countless orthodontic conditions that may warrant treatment. As always, the safety and comfort of our patients are always our top priority.
Listed below are the types of teeth conditions most frequently seen and treated by orthodontists.
Top Teeth Overlap Bottom Teeth
In this situation, the top front teeth hang over the bottom front teeth excessively (in the vertical direction). In orthodontics, this condition is known as a deep bite or an overbite.
While some overbites are subtle and hardly noticeable, there are some cases where the lower front teeth are completely hidden when the person is biting down.
People with overbites have a higher susceptibility of worn, chipped, and damaged front teeth due to the increased strain on them during function.
Furthermore, this type of malocclusion may bring about complications when dental treatment is being done, such as applying veneers, crowns, or implants.
Overbites can be corrected quite easily with time in orthodontic treatment.
Top Teeth Protrude Out Over the Lower Teeth
This condition, known to orthodontists as overjet, is typically referred to as overbite or buck teeth by lay people. Protruding teeth may range from being subtle in nature to extremely noticeable. Genetics certainly plays a role in teeth protrusion, usually when a small lower jaw sets behind the upper jaw. Childhood habits like thumb-sucking and tongue thrusting are other reasons why front teeth end up protruding.
Protruding teeth may predispose people to upper front tooth injuries due to their extreme forward position relative to the face. In severe cases the front teeth may even be exposed outside of the mouth and lips.
In addition to the increased chance of dental injury, this abnormality may produce problems associated with eating and speaking. Awkwardness can also be felt due to the unnatural position of the teeth and the common need to strain the muscles surrounding the mouth to close the lips over the teeth.
Orthodontic treatment is the perfect solution for patients with protruding teeth.
Bottom Teeth Overlap Top Teeth
A more uncommon condition is called an underbite, which occurs when the top front teeth sit behind the bottom row of teeth. Naturally, this can cause substantial dental issues.
In many cases, the source of this malocclusion is a jaw size mismatch. Either the upper jaw is underdeveloped, the lower jaw is overdeveloped, or a combination of the two. This bite relationship can make activities like biting, chewing, and speaking properly exceedingly difficult.
Since the lower jaw juts outward, it can also give the face an unbalanced appearance.
The unnatural position of an underbite tends to increase the wear and tear on the teeth themselves. Therefore, correcting an underbite is strongly advised not only for cosmetic reasons, but also for the safety of the teeth.
While underbites can be successfully treated during adulthood, addressing this problem during childhood can make for more conservative intervention. If you suspect your child has or may develop an underbite, seeing an orthodontist by age 7 or 8 can make a big difference.
Through the expertise of the best orthodontist team in Temecula, Dr. Redford and Dr. Burke, underbites can be successfully addressed with orthodontic treatment.
Top and Bottom Front Teeth Don’t Touch
When the top and bottom front teeth fail to touch normally, this is labeled as an open bite. This oral condition is quite rare in adults and should be evaluated by a qualified orthodontist.
This type of malocclusion can make biting and talking increasingly difficult. Since there is vertical space between the front teeth with an open bite, speech is often disrupted or said with a lisp.
Some common causes of open bites are jaw mismatches, tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, or prolonged use of a pacifier.
Orthodontic treatment, especially with modern techniques now available, can be extremely affective at correcting open bites.
Teeth Don’t Meet on Each Side
A crossbite or posterior open bite is characterized by top and bottom teeth at the back of the mouth that fail to meet properly. This could be due to a narrow upper jaw or problems related to the eruption of the back teeth.
Treatment of back tooth bite problems with orthodontics can improve chewing ability and the longevity of the teeth.
Teeth are Crooked
Crooked teeth are arguably the most common reason why braces are sought in the first place. Crooked teeth usually first become apparent during the transition from baby to adult teeth during childhood.
No matter your age, choosing the best orthodontist for treatment is an important decision for you or your child. The type of braces used by orthodontists are simply a tool. The results that are achieved in treatment are dependent on the skill level of the doctor and staff.
We encourage you to schedule a free consultation with our orthodontic office in Temecula or Lake Elsinore. It is then we can discuss treatment options for your path to a beautiful, straight smile.
Too Much Space Between Teeth
Another sign you may need orthodontic treatment is having excessive spacing between the teeth.
Spacing between the upper front center teeth, also known as a diastema, may be due to genetics, excess soft tissue between the teeth, or teeth that are simply too small for the jaw.
Regardless of the cause, orthodontics can fix spacing and gaps between teeth. This not only improves their appearance, but also helps prevent food from chronically being stuck between teeth, thus resulting in healthier gums.
Top orthodontists like Dr. Redford and Dr. Burke are well-versed in how to accurately diagnose and treat the full array of orthodontic conditions for all ages.
If you think you have any signs you may need braces or your child needs orthodontic treatment, please contact Burke & Redford Orthodontists today at (951) 699-8011. We will be happy to help you set up a free consultation with our board-certified doctors at your earliest convenience. Our offices are in Temecula and Lake Elsinore, California.