Dentistry focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating conditions of the teeth, gums, and oral structures, supporting oral health and overall well-being.
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Recognizing the need for orthodontic intervention often begins with the observation of visible irregularities. However, the symptoms of malocclusion extend far beyond crooked teeth. Many functional issues, such as difficulty chewing, speech impediments, and jaw pain, are direct results of dental and skeletal misalignment.
Patients may not always connect these functional symptoms with the position of their teeth. Understanding the full spectrum of indications helps in seeking timely professional evaluation. Early identification can often lead to simpler and less invasive treatment options.
The symptoms can range from subtle aesthetic concerns to debilitating functional problems. They are typically categorized into alignment issues, bite discrepancies, and jaw function indicators.
Crowding is the most prevalent complaint in orthodontics. It occurs when there is a discrepancy between the size of the teeth and the size of the jaw. The teeth twist, overlap, or erupt out of line to fit into the dental arch.
This condition makes oral hygiene difficult, as toothbrush bristles and floss cannot reach the tight, overlapping spaces. This increases the susceptibility to plaque accumulation, tooth decay, and periodontal inflammation.
Spacing is the opposite of crowding, characterized by gaps between the teeth. This can be caused by small teeth, a large jaw, or missing teeth. A prominent gap between the two upper front teeth is known as a midline diastema.
While some cultures view a diastema as a beauty mark, excessive spacing can lead to food impaction and gum irritation. It can also affect speech, causing whistling sounds during articulation.
A deep bite occurs when the upper front teeth cover an excessive amount of the lower front teeth when biting down. In severe cases, the lower teeth may bite into the gum tissue on the roof of the mouth.
This deep overlap restricts the functional movement of the lower jaw. It can lead to excessive wear on the edges of the lower incisors and is often associated with temporomandibular joint issues due to the constrained position of the mandible.
An open bite is a condition where the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when the back teeth are clamped together. This leaves a vertical gap in the front of the mouth.
This makes it difficult or impossible to bite into thin foods like lettuce or pizza. It is often caused by habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting and can lead to significant speech impediments.
A posterior crossbite exists when the upper back teeth sit inside the lower back teeth, rather than outside. This is usually indicative of a narrow upper jaw (maxilla) relative to the lower jaw.
To compensate, the patient often shifts their jaw to one side to find a stable bite. This functional shift can lead to asymmetric jaw growth in children and permanent facial asymmetry if left untreated.
Overjet refers to the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth. Excessive overjet is commonly called “buck teeth.” The upper teeth stick out significantly past the lower teeth.
Protruding teeth are at a much higher risk of traumatic injury from falls or sports. This condition is also often associated with a recessed lower jaw and can lead to lip incompetence, where the lips cannot close comfortably at rest.
An underbite occurs when the lower jaw protrudes forward, placing the lower front teeth in front of the upper front teeth. This is often skeletal in nature, driven by excessive mandibular growth.
This malocclusion compromises chewing efficiency and concentrates force on the front teeth, leading to wear and gum recession. It creates a concave facial profile and a prominent chin.
An impacted tooth is one that is blocked from erupting into the mouth. The maxillary canine is the second most common tooth to become impacted after wisdom teeth.
If not addressed, impacted teeth can damage the roots of adjacent healthy teeth or form cysts. Orthodontic treatment is often required to surgically expose the tooth and guide it into its proper position.
While not all jaw pain is orthodontic in nature, malocclusion is a significant risk factor for TMD. Symptoms include pain in the jaw muscles, clicking or popping joints, and headaches.
A bite that does not fit together properly can cause the muscles of mastication to work overtime to find a comfortable position. This chronic fatigue leads to pain and dysfunction in the joint complex.
The teeth, lips, and tongue work together to produce sound. When teeth are misaligned, particularly in the front of the mouth, it can affect articulation.
Lisps are common in patients with open bites or large gaps. Difficulty producing ‘f’ and ‘v’ sounds can occur with severe overjets. Orthodontics can alter the oral environment to facilitate better speech production.
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Crowded teeth create tight spaces and overlaps that act as traps for plaque bacteria. Even with brushing, the bristles often cannot reach these areas. This retained plaque causes inflammation, known as gingivitis, which results in bleeding gums.
Yes, a bad bite can force the muscles of the jaw and face to work harder to chew and stabilize the jaw. This chronic muscle tension can radiate to the temples and head, triggering tension type headaches.
Mouth breathing is often associated with a narrow upper jaw and a high palate, which restricts the nasal airway. Orthodontic expansion of the palate can widen the nasal floor, helping to restore nasal breathing, which is healthier for the body.
Teeth that look short may be worn down. If your bite is misaligned, you may be grinding your teeth against each other, wearing away the enamel. This attrition makes the teeth look flat and short and can lead to sensitivity.
Leaving crowded teeth untreated can lead to long term periodontal problems because they are hard to clean. It also leads to uneven wear of the enamel. Over time, the crowding usually worsens as teeth naturally drift forward with age.
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