Common Orthodontic Problems Mentone & Frankston

There are many problems that can stand between some people and their best smile

Do you have a concern with your smile and would like to do something about it? At Straight Orthodontics we can help you achieve your ideal smile with our range of orthodontic treatments!

There are a number of common orthodontic issues, which can cause further issues such as speech difficulty, premature wear of the teeth and enamel, and increase the chances of injuries to the teeth if left untreated.

Common orthodontic problems

The following are common issues for both children and adults.

Crooked teeth and spacing issues

Teeth may not have enough room to erupt through the gums, which causes crowding issues. Crowding has been linked to periodontal disease and tooth decay issues, as overlapped teeth are obviously harder to clean.

Too much space between the teeth? This is the opposite of crowding and is caused by missing teeth or when there is excess jaw space available.

Protruding Front Teeth

Also referred sometimes as ‘buck teeth’. This issue refers to the upper front teeth sticking outwards. This issue can increase chances of suffering damage to the front teeth.

Underbite

A less common issue which occurs when the lower jaw grows out past the upper jaw. This causes the upper front teeth to sit behind the lower front teeth when biting together.

Overbite

The issue where the upper teeth bite down too far over the lower teeth, even to the point of biting into the lower gum. This can cause increases tooth wear and gum damage.

Openbite

The back teeth bite together, but the front teeth do not, causing a gap between the top and bottom teeth. This creates difficulties while chewing food and speaking and is caused by abnormal jaw growth.

Crossbite

The upper teeth should fit outside the lower teeth, however a crossbite occurs when the upper jaw is too narrow and the lower jaw swings to one side. This can cause lower teeth to overlap upper teeth.

Missing Teeth

This causes spaces which can be left empty or surrounding teeth can drift into the spaces slightly causing other issues.

Thumb/Pacifier Sucking

Between the ages of two and four, children should naturally stop sucking on their thumbs and pacifier. If they continue to do so, it’s important to stop them as this can cause malocclusions and other dental abnormalities that cause dental issues.

It is important to visit an orthodontist regarding these issues, especially if they cause speech, chewing, or biting issues. Other issues include teeth clenching, grinding or jaw clicks.

For more information, or if you or your child suffer from any of these issues, please contact Straight Orthodontics by clicking here.

A less common issue which occurs when the lower jaw grows out past the upper jaw. This causes the upper front teeth to sit behind the lower front teeth when biting together.