Common Orthodontic Issues: How to Resolve Aesthetic Problems

You are likely to grin when someone tells you a funny knock-knock joke. But if your teeth aren’t in the best shape, you might hold back from showing that smile. The good news is that the right Fairfax orthodontics treatment can change that.

From improving the appearance of your teeth to addressing more serious concerns that affect your oral health, dental corrections cover a wide range of solutions.

Fortunately, there are plenty of solutions and Fairfax orthodontic experts who fix these orthodontic issues but before diving into treatments, it’s important to understand the most common orthodontic problems and how they affect your teeth.

In this guide, we’ll cover key orthodontic issues along with the basics of what aligned teeth feel like. Let’s start by exploring how properly aligned teeth function and what happens when they don’t.

What Do Aligned Teeth Feel Like?

The first step toward getting orthodontic treatment for misaligned teeth is to have a feel of what aligned teeth look like. 

When your teeth are in proper alignment, they don’t bother you with bites or jaw pains. Your upper jaw should slightly overlap the lower one so that the upper molars should fit into the lower one’s grooves. Your teeth must allow you to close your mouth as far as you like it to. 

However, when teeth are misaligned, this can lead to a range of problems known as malocclusion. 

Malocclusion and Their Classifications 

When teeth are misaligned, this condition is referred to as malocclusion, a term dentists use to describe crooked teeth or “bad bites.” Malocclusion can lead to various dental problems such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and overcrowding. These issues often impair essential functions like chewing, biting, and speaking.

A Fairfax Dental Specialist is highly trained to diagnose and treat all types of malocclusion, ensuring your teeth fit properly in your jaw. 

By understanding the different classifications of malocclusion, you can better identify the issue affecting your teeth and determine the best treatment plan.

Three separate classes of Malocclusion: 

Class I: In this class, the upper and lower teeth unevenly overlap throughout the jaw; despite the teeth being overcrowded or irregularly spaced, it is the least severe kind of malocclusion.

Class II: This is characterized by an extreme overbite, where the upper teeth and jaw significantly overlap the lower jaw.

Class III: This happens when your teeth and lower jaw heavily overlap the upper. This underbite is a severe one.

Common Orthodontics Problems Every Person Faces

However, even with the three classifications, there are several subdivisions of malocclusion. Here are a few of the most common orthodontic problems:

Overbite or a Buck Teeth 

An overbite, also known as buck teeth, occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. This can affect your bite and even cause discomfort. 

Fortunately, treatments like Invisalign clear aligners are effective for correcting overbites, providing a discreet and comfortable way to gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment.

Underbite with Irregular Balance 

When the lower front teeth develop past the higher front teeth, it creates an underbite, which can cause jaw pain and make it difficult to chew and speak. 

Crossbite, Side by Side Misalignment 

When some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down. In most cases, misplaced teeth or skeletal disparities result in crossbites.

Open Bite Where Teeth Don’t Touch 

A space between the upper and lower teeth indicates an open bite. This issue occurs after a long-term pacifier use or thumb sucking. 

Crowding and Minimal Space For Teeth 

Crowding is a situation where there is not enough space in the mouth for all the teeth to fit. This may lead to misaligned or crooked teeth, which are hard to clean and may not be appealing to the eye.

Spacing Issue With Gap Issue 

Spaces or gaps between the teeth may be caused by teeth that are smaller than the jaw or due to absent teeth. These conditions are known as spacing difficulties. 

Misaligned Teeth 

This refers to the teeth that are crooked or not properly aligned in your mouth. This can affect the aesthetic of your smile and the functioning of every bite. 

Hypodontia (missing tooth)

Hypodontia, a condition where one or more teeth fail to develop, often requires treatment such as dental implants to restore function and appearance. 

On average, the first permanent teeth start to grow at the age of six in all children, and all primary teeth are grown by the age of three. On the other hand, all adult teeth are grown between the ages of twelve and fourteen.  

So, hypodontia is the condition used when a child does not develop one or more of their teeth. It can be inherited and result from trauma, infection, or any other environmental factors. 

There Are Solutions To These Problems 

There’s a lot more good for your teeth’s health than just brushing them. Depending on your dental health, below are the treatments you can get: 

Traditional Braces

Traditional metal braces have been a dependable treatment for orthodontic issues. 

Braces are a very useful tool for addressing a variety of orthodontic conditions, such as severe crowding, spacing, and malocclusions. 

If you are dealing with any of these issues, consult our experts for braces, and depending on the condition, the orthodontist will prescribe a corrective treatment. 

Clear Aligners

The discrete and convenient characteristics of clear aligners, like Invisalign, have led to their rising popularity in recent times. 

These aligners consist of removable trays that are custom-made to progressively move the teeth back into alignment. 

You can simply wear these clear aligners while sleeping or when you are free during the day. 

Our Orthodontic Experts Can Fix It All 

In the end, orthodontic issues are widespread, but people of all ages can have a straighter, healthier smile. 

Thanks to developments in orthodontic technology and our treatment options, teeth straightening has never been easier. 

If you’re thinking of seeking a consultation to improve your smile, don’t hesitate to explore the options available at Optimal Dental Care.