Hamada Orthodontics

Orthodontics

Destrehan, LA

985-725-0509

EDUCATION

Bite Problems

Orthodontic bite problems are important to address at an early age because of the many complications that can arise.  Listed below are some of the most common bite problems, the problems they can cause, and the recommended treatment.  We hope you'll feel free to call our office for a consultation if you have any questions or if you would like to be evaluated.

I. Crossbites

A crossbite can occur in the front and/or the sides of the mouth: one or more upper teeth fit inside of the lower teeth. This can occur with a single tooth or multiple teeth.  Early correction (usually before age 11) is strongly recommended.  After this age, the crossbite may only be able to be corrected with surgery.

Left untreated, crossbites can:

  • cause premature wear of the teeth
  • cause asymmetrical development of the jaws
  • cause dysfunctional chewing patterns
  • lead to jaw joint dysfunction


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How can a crossbite be orthodontically corrected?

If there is a single tooth crossbite, the tooth can be moved with braces into the correct position.  With multiple teeth in crossbite, the arch needs to be expanded with braces or other appliances.


II. Openbite

An openbite is an insufficient vertical overlap of the teeth.  It is caused by oral habits such as tongue thrust, digit sucking or by uneven jaw growth.  Timing of treatment is critical to the overall success of the therapy: usually, the younger, the better.

How can an openbite be orthodontically corrected?

Openbite can be corrected through growth modification of the jaws using braces and habit appliances.


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III. Overbite

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth protrude over the lower front teeth.  Generally there is no contact between the upper and lower front teeth.  Often the lower front teeth are completely covered by the upper front teeth.

Left untreated, an overbite can:

  • result in abnormal wear of the lower front teeth
  • result in the development of jaw joint problems


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How can an overbite be orthodontically corrected?

Overbite can be corrected through moving the front teeth up and/or bringing the back teeth together, which will "open" the bite so the teeth are properly aligned and the deep bite is eliminated.


IV.  Overjet

Overjet is also known as protrusion.  In this case, the lower front teeth are too far behind the upper front teeth.  This can be caused by an improper alignment of the molars, a skeletal imbalance of the upper and lower jaw, flared upper incisors, missing lower teeth or a combination of all the above.  In addition, oral habits such as thumb sucking, finger sucking or tongue thrusting can exacerbate the condition.

Left untreated, excessive overjet can:

  • prevent proper functioning of the front teeth
  • lead to premature wear
  • result in a lower lip curl


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How can overjet be orthodontically corrected?

Overjet can be corrected through growth modification using a functional appliance and/or elastics to reduce the skeletal imbalance or extraction of teeth.


V.  Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth protrude past the upper front teeth.  It is usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or a combination of the two.  Early correction of underbite is strongly recommended: usually, the younger, the better.

Left untreated, an underbite can:

  • lead to abnormal wear of the front teeth
  • cause chewing or eating problems
  • cause jaw or joint problems


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after

How can an underbite be orthodontically corrected?

Underbite can be corrected through growth modification of the jaws, extraction of teeth and in some cases, surgical correction of the jaws.