Braces and other orthodontic treatments are used to treat malocclusion, which means having crooked teeth or a “bad bite.” One’s bite is the way the upper and lower teeth come together. In a proper bite, the upper teeth sit slightly forward of the lower teeth. Few people have a perfect bite. Malocclusion is sometimes a cosmetic problem, but crooked teeth are also hard to care for properly. This can lead to tooth decay, or even tooth loss.
The most common types of malocclusion are:
– Upper protrusion (overjet) – The upper front teeth are pushed forward. This can be caused by a small lower jaw or by thumb-sucking, which may cause the roof of the mouth to change shape. Upper protrusion is sometimes referred to as buck teeth.
– Open bite – The upper and lower front teeth do not overlap, thus creating an opening straight into the mouth. An open bite can also be present on the side(s) of the mouth.
– Overbite – If an individual has an excessive overbite, the upper front teeth go too far down over the lower front teeth. In extreme cases, this causes the lower teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
– Underbite – The front lower teeth are farther forward than the front upper teeth.
– Cross bite – A cross bite is present when some or all of the upper teeth are on the wrong side of the lower teeth.
We invite you to contact A&A Orthodontics at today to learn more about treatment for malocclusion in Sandusky, OH, and to schedule a visit with our orthodontists, Drs. Adenwalla and Ashai. Our team looks forward to helping you on your journey to a straight, healthy smile!
