What Are the Most Common Bite Problems?

If your upper and lower teeth don’t fit together as they should, you have a bad bite. Without orthodontic treatments in Park Falls, bad bites or malocclusions can lead to a host of issues, including TMD troubles, less efficient digestion, and speech problems. We’ve rounded up the most common types of bite problems that dentists treat.

Common Types of Malocclusions

Underbite

Also known as an anterior crossbite, an underbite is where the lower jaw sits out in front of the upper jaw. Besides making a patient look like a bulldog, an underbite triggers stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or jaw joint. If left untreated, this type of malocclusion can cause tension headaches and TMJ disorders.

Overbite

A patient has an overbite if their upper front teeth cover their bottom teeth too much. When the overbite is severe, the lower front teeth drive into the gums behind the upper teeth. If not corrected, this type of malocclusion increases the risk of gum injury, early enamel wear, and gum disease.

Crossbite

Someone with a crossbite has misaligned teeth and bones that cause their upper teeth to fit inside their lower or top teeth to go behind their bottom teeth. If left ignored, the possible consequences of this type of malocclusion are lopsided jaw growth and wearing down of the enamel.

Open Bite

An open bite occurs when the patient’s upper and lower front teeth don’t overlap when the back teeth are together. Tongue thrusting, excessive sucking, and mouth breathing are the top causes of an open bite. Without orthodontic treatment, an open bite can lead to swallowing issues and speech problems.

Crowding

Crowding can be a result of insufficient space in the jaw for the teeth. Since crowding causes teeth to overlap and become crooked, they can be challenging to clean. If not corrected, possible consequences of dental crowding include tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.

Interested to Learn More About Orthodontic Treatments in Park Falls?

At Northwoods Dentistry, we offer a wide range of orthodontic services to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.