Common Orthodontic Issues

Your smile is one of the first aspects of your appearance that people notice. If your smile is less than perfect, you may feel self-conscious about it. Luckily, you have the option of getting braces or Invisalign, which can help transform your smile.

Here are several orthodontic issues that can be fixed with treatment.

Overcrowding

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After

Overcrowding is when there is not enough space in your mouth for all your teeth. As a result, your teeth can become misaligned and overlap each other. This can cause discomfort and make it more challenging to brush and floss your teeth properly. An orthodontist can help correct overcrowding with braces.

Openbites

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After

Openbites occur when the front upper and lower teeth don’t touch when your mouth is closed. This orthodontic issue can cause a lisp, biting difficulties, trouble eating and tooth wear. Braces can help align the upper and lower teeth.

Overbites

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After

Overbites occur when the upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth. They’re most often caused by not having enough room in your mouth for your teeth size. Without proper treatment, an overbite can cause the teeth to overcrowd each other and grow crooked. Other complications include jaw pain, tooth decay and discomfort while eating. Braces can successfully treat overbites.

Underbites

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After

Underbites are when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. If you have an underbite, you may experience several difficulties, such as trouble with chewing food and speaking properly. Fortunately, braces can fix an underbite and make you feel more confident about your smile.

Spacing

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After

Spacing is another common orthodontic problem that people deal with. Just like overcrowding, too much spacing can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. When you have too much spacing, food particles and plaque can easily accumulate in the wider spaces. Gaps in your teeth can also make your smile appear less attractive. Whether the spacing is due to genetics or thumbsucking, wearing braces can correct the issue.

Crooked Teeth

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After

Misaligned, or crooked, teeth are one of the most common orthodontic issues among adults and children. They can result from prolonged thumbsucking, a shorter jaw, genetics, poor dental care and facial injuries. Having crooked teeth can make you feel insecure about appearance and cause you to avoid social situations. Misaligned teeth can also lead to difficulty with chewing, speech problems, tooth wear and gum disease. Braces can help straighten your teeth, giving you a more attractive smile.