6 Common Orthodontic Problems to Look Out For

It’s no secret that orthodontists play an important role in our dental health. Common orthodontic problems not only work against a person’s overall appearance but can also cause functional issues such as difficulty speaking and chewing.

If you believe your child has a problem that can be solved with an orthodontic treatment, it’s important not to hesitate to contact your local orthodontists. The best possible time to begin orthodontic treatment is at age seven.

Here are some of the most common orthodontic problems that may be affecting your child’s dental health.

1. Crowding. Crowding is an orthodontic problem that occurs when the teeth don’t have enough room in the jaw to fit normally. Some teeth may come in larger than the amount of space they have available. Your child’s orthodontists can treat crowding by expanding the arches or extracting necessary teeth.
2. Spacing. On the other side of the coin from crowding is spacing. Spacing is when there’s an excess of space in your child’s jaw, which allows the teeth to spread out and create gaps. This can be a problem because open spaces in the teeth increase the risk of gum problems and prevent your child’s teeth from functioning properly.
3. Crossbite. A crossbite is a type of lateral misalignment. One or more teeth are closer to the tongue or the cheek than the antagonist tooth in the lower or upper arch. A crossbite can typically be treated with braces.
4. Overbite. Overbites are when the upper front teeth overlap with the lower front teeth. Braces are the most common treatment for overbites, which help to straighten and align the teeth.
5. Underbite. Underbites are when the lower front teeth overlap with the upper front teeth. Like overbites, braces are the most common treatment for this orthodontic problem.
6. Open bites. An open bite is a type of malocclusion when the upper and lower front teeth don’t come into contact with one another at all. Open bites can impact your child’s chewing abilities. While rarer than overbites and underbites, an open bite can be corrected with braces to move the front teeth down and the back teeth up. However, depending on how extensive the problem is, jaw surgery may be necessary to correct the misalignment.

Looking for experienced orthodontists in your area? Smiley Face Braces has some of the best orthodontists in Orlando, FL. For more information about braces for kids and other orthodontics, or to schedule an appointment, contact the office of Smiley Face Braces today.