Bite Issues That Might Require Orthodontic Treatment
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Most people request traditional metal braces to treat crooked or misaligned teeth. Any good orthodontist will tell you, however, that braces can address much more than that. MINT orthodontics works hard to correct many different types of bite issues.
Bite issues cause you to clench or grind your teeth, leading to wear and tear over time. A bad bite can also create problems with speaking and chewing. If you have questions about your orthodontic options or experience any of the concerns below, contact our office in Dallas or Fort Worth, TX for an examination.
Underbite
An underbite is a dental condition where the lower jaw extends further than the upper jaw. In some cases, an underbite leads to painful complications. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is just one side effect of an underbite. TMD causes your jaw to feel locked or stuck in position, sometimes resulting in discomfort.
Overbite
An overbite is where the upper jaw extends further than the lower jaw. Although some overbites are caused by genetics, others are attributed to childhood habits, such as thumb sucking or prolonged bottle-feeding. In cases of severe overbite, it is possible for the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
Crossbite
A crossbite is a bite issue where the top teeth and bottom teeth do not meet together correctly. Crossbites can be caused by improper tooth position, jaw position, or a combination of both. Without bite correction, you may have problems with jaw grinding. Some patients in Dallas and Fort Worth, TX report headaches from the extra tension on the jaw.
Crowding
Crowding happens when there is not enough room in the gums for teeth to develop fully. When teeth are too crowded, they collide and push against each other, forcing them to grow at different angles. In addition to teeth grinding, people with crowded teeth have trouble brushing and flossing. This can lead to future gum disease and tooth decay.
Spacing
Spacing is when there are large gaps in between the teeth. When not treated, spacing can also lead to cavities and gum disease. This is because food particles and bacteria tend to build up in these gaps if they are not cared for. Gaps are usually the result of too-small teeth or poor dental habits, like thumb-sucking.
Open Bite
An open bite happens when the upper and lower front teeth do not come together when biting down. This creates a large gap, or an opening, in the smile. Having an open bite can make it challenging to speak or chew your favorite foods. It may even lead to a speech impediment, such as a lisp, if left untreated.
Bite correction at MINT orthodontics
Bite issues can make you feel embarrassed or frustrated with your smile. Perhaps you already have trouble performing daily tasks because of underbite, overbite, or crowding. MINT orthodontics is proud to offer personalized bite correction for patients of all ages. From traditional metal braces to Invisalign®, our advanced treatments can correct misalignment as well as common bite problems. Contact our staff in Dallas or Fort Worth, TX to get started with an assessment. We help you create a healthy smile that lasts for a lifetime.