Common Orthodontic Problems
There are many types of orthodontic problems, some easier to manage than others. An ideal bite is our gold standard though there are literally hundreds of potential bite problems that make this difficult to achieve. We require both the upper and lower jaw to develop in perfect sync and size, along with the teeth to erupt at the ideal time
Normal eruption – mouth closed
Typical eruption of teeth in growing children
If you haven’t watched the introductory video on the home page, it will describe many common problems and is worth spending a few minutes watching it. There are, however, many more different types of problems and many patients have multiple combinations along with varying degrees of severity. An orthodontist’s professional training and job is to assess each individual patient and propose a treatment plan that will address all of your or your child’s problems at the most appropriate time with the goal of achieving an ideal result.
Some common problems we typically see and manage are:
- Crowding
- Spacing
- Crossbite of front teeth
- Crossbite of back teeth
- Congenitally missing teeth
- Protrusion of the top teeth
- Underbite
- Severe overbite (vertical overlap of front teeth)
- Open bite
- Narrow jaw development
- Impacted upper canine teeth
- Premature loss of a baby tooth
- Delayed loss of baby teeth
- Lower jaw asymmetry
- Clicking of the jaw joint
- Wisdom teeth
