Crossbite

Posterior crossbites usually result from a constricted upper jaw or unusually wide lower jaw. A narrow upper jaw will often force a patient to move their lower jaw forward or to the side when closing into a stable bite. When closed into this accommodated position, the lower teeth are located outside the upper teeth. This posturing may result in an incorrect functional position of the lower jaw with accompanying facial asymmetry.

Crowding

Crowding of the teeth is the most common orthodontic problem. Although many factors contribute to dental crowding, this problem is usually inherited and stems from a discrepancy between space available in each jaw and the size of the teeth. Aside from aesthetic considerations, poor alignment of teeth may be associated with periodontal problems and an increased risk of dental decay due to difficulty in maintaining optimal oral hygiene.

Deepbite

Excessive vertical overlapping of incisor teeth, called “overbite”, is generally found in association with a discrepancy between the length of the upper and lower jaws. It usually results in excessive eruption of either the upper or lower incisors or both. Associated problems may include excessive display of gum tissue, biting the roof of the mouth and incisor wear.

Openbite

A lack of vertical overlap of the incisor teeth can usually be traced to jaw disharmony or persistent habits (i.e. digit sucking habits or posturing of the tongue between the front teeth) or excessive vertical growth of one or both jaws. Early assessment and intervention with these disorders is critical to the overall success of treatment.

Spacing

Spaces between teeth are another common problem associated with the need for orthodontic care. Like crowding, spacing may be related to a tooth-to-jaw-size disharmony. Gum tissue attachments called “frenae” are also a common cause of spacing between the front teeth as well as incisor protrusion may lead to spacing. Other contributing factors include atypical or unusually narrow teeth, and missing or impacted teeth.