Common Orthodontic Problems
Orthodontic problems are more common than many people realize, and most smiles naturally have some degree of misalignment. Issues such as crowding, bite problems, and spacing concerns can affect not only the appearance of your smile, but also your ability to chew comfortably, speak clearly, and maintain good oral health.
At Central Michigan Orthodontics, Dr. Riley provides personalized treatment to help patients achieve healthier, more balanced smiles. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent more complex concerns later while improving both function and confidence.
Below are some of the most common orthodontic problems we treat.
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
Upper front teeth protrusion occurs when the upper teeth extend too far forward or the lower jaw sits too far back. This can affect bite function, smile appearance, and increase the risk of injury to the front teeth over time.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. In more severe cases, this can cause uneven tooth wear, discomfort, bite problems, and additional pressure on the front teeth over time.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth instead of overlapping properly. This condition can contribute to uneven tooth wear, gum recession, bite imbalance, and improper jaw alignment if left untreated.
Openbite
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed. This condition can affect chewing, speech, bite function, and overall comfort if left untreated over time and may impact daily oral function.
Crowding
Crowding develops when there is not enough space for teeth to align properly. Crowded teeth can affect oral hygiene, bite alignment, overall comfort, and increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, and uneven tooth wear over time.
Spacing
Spacing issues occur when there are gaps between teeth caused by missing teeth or differences in tooth and jaw size. These spaces can affect bite function, tooth alignment, smile appearance, and overall oral health if left untreated.
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower teeth extend in front of the upper teeth. This bite problem can affect chewing, speaking, jaw comfort, overall bite alignment, and place additional strain on the jaw joints over time.