Common Problems

When your jaw or tooth structure do not fit together properly orthodontic treatment may be necessary to straighten out teeth and promote ideal oral and dental function. As your local orthodontist for the Bettendorf and Eldridge area, Dr. Mack sees many common orthodontic problems that can be fixed with the types of braces and other orthodontic services we offer. Please continue reading below for a list of common problems that would warrant treatment with an orthodontist. Should you be suffering from one of these problems, contact us and schedule an appointment immediately. If left untreated these structural issues (often referred to as malocclusions or bad bites) can cause speech difficulties, premature wear of the teeth and protective enamel, and even increase the chance of injury to the teeth and jaw joint.

Types of Common Orthodontic Problems:

Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower jaw extends too far out, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth.

Crossbite

This is a situation where the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which leads to tooth stratification and misaligned jaw growth. This type of bite causes improper use of the lower jaw and sometimes brings about facial asymmetry.

Upper Front Teeth Protrusion

This type of bite is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending forward enough. In both situations there is a significant impact on the appearance and function of your teeth.

Overbite

In an overbite the upper front teeth extend too far out over the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth. Problems often associated with an overbite include a "gummy" smile, protruding lips, and excessive incisor wear.

Crowding

Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gums. This is the most common reason to invest in braces or Invisalign with your local orthodontist. Not only is crowding unattractive, but it has been linked to periodontal problems and dental decay because it makes it harder to clean overlapping teeth surfaces.

Spacing

The opposite of crowding, spacing is most commonly caused by excessive jaw room for the size of erupting teeth. Spacing problems may be the result of missing teeth or they may only be a cosmetic or aesthetic issue. Spacing is another popular reason for getting braces at our Bettendorf and Eldridge orthodontic practice.

Openbite

In this case the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap, thus impacting proper chewing. Openbite may cause a number of unwanted habits, such as tongue-thrusting and thumb-sucking. Early evaluation and intervention by an orthodontist is essential for correcting an openbite.

Dental Midlines Not Matched

Dental midlines occur when the back bite does not fit and match properly. This can negatively impact jaw function and proper dental function.

Other Common Reasons to See An Orthodontist:

In addition to the above common problems (which are specific conditions) other reasons to see an orthodontist include experiencing:

Early or late loss of baby teeth
Difficulty chewing or biting
Sucking the thumb/fingers, or other oral habits
Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or are recessed
Speech difficulty
Biting the cheek or bit
ing into the roof of mouth
Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don't meet at all
Facial imbalance or asymmetry (features out of proportion to the rest of the face)
Grinding or clenching of teeth
Inability to comfortably close lips

Visit Your Local Orthodontist

If you think you or your child may have one of these common orthodontic problems, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mack at our Bettendorf or Eldridge office today! We will evaluate your condition and discuss orthodontic treatment options ranging from traditional metal braces to clear aligners like Invisalign. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you smile brighter!