Crossbite

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Crossbite can occur in the front and/or the sides of the mouth when the maxillary (upper) teeth bite on the inside of the mandibular (lower) teeth. This can occur with a single tooth or multiple teeth. Early correction of crossbite is recommended.

Crossbite should be corrected because it can cause:

  • Premature wear of the teeth.
  • Gum disease including bone loss.
  • Asymmetrical development of the jaws.
  • Dysfunctional chewing patterns.
  • Make your smile less attractive.

A case example showing misaligned teeth caused by a crossbite
before

A case example of corrected teeth after fixing a crossbite
after

A second case example showing misaligned teeth caused by a crossbite
before

A second case example of corrected teeth after fixing a crossbite
after

How can a crossbite be orthodontically corrected?

If there is a single tooth crossbite, the tooth can be moved with braces into the correct position. With multiple teeth in crossbite, the arch needs to be expanded with braces and a special appliance. You may also need to wear elastics to help the process be quicker and more efficient. 


Looking For Exceptional Orthodontic Treatment?

Contact Garcia Family Orthodontics with any questions or to schedule an appointment!

Call us: (407) 857-0800

OPENBITE


What is an Openbite?

Openbite is an insufficient vertical overlap of the teeth. It is caused by oral habits such as tongue thrust, thumb sucking, or when the jaws do not grow evenly.

 A side view diagram showing what an open bite looks like

How can an Openbite be orthodontically corrected?

Openbite can be corrected by bringing down the anterior teeth. In some cases, surgical correction of the jaws and breaking oral habits such as thumb sucking can prevent an openbite.

A case example of a jaw with an open bite
before

A case example of a jaw after correcting an open bite
after


Overbite

A side view illustration showing what an overbite looks likeOverbite occurs when the upper front teeth protrude over the lower front teeth. Generally, there is no contact between the upper and lower front teeth. Often you cannot see the lower incisors. Overbite is due to a disproportionate amount of eruption of front teeth or over development of the bone that supports the teeth and a front to back discrepancy in the growth of the upper or lower jaw (Class II Relationship). Overbite is also known as a deep bite.

Overbite should be corrected because it can:

  • cause improper functioning of your front teeth
  • result in the lower front teeth biting into the gum tissue of the upper palate leading to tissue problems
  • unusual wear of the lower front teeth
  • cause jaw or joint problems
  • make your smile less attractive

A case example of a mouth with an overbite problem
before

A case example of a mouth after correcting an overbite
after

How can an overbite be orthodontically corrected?

Overbite can be corrected through moving the front teeth up and/or bringing the back teeth together, which will “open” the bite so the teeth are properly aligned and the deep bite is eliminated.


Overjet

A side view diagram showing what an overjet looks likeOverjet is also known as protrusion. In this case, the lower teeth are too far behind the upper front teeth. This can be caused by an improper alignment of the molars (Class II Relationship), a skeletal imbalance of the upper and lower jaw; flared upper incisors, missing lower teeth, or a combination of all of the above. In addition, oral habits such as thumb sucking, finger sucking or tongue thrusting can exacerbate the condition.

Overjet should be corrected because it can:

  • prevent proper functioning of the front teeth
  • lead to premature wear
  • make your smile less attractive

A case example of a jaw with an overjet bite problem
before

A case example of a jaw after correcting an overjet
after

How can overjet be orthodontically corrected?

Overjet can be corrected through growth modification using a bite corrector and/or elastics to reduce the skeletal imbalance or extraction of teeth.

Looking For Exceptional Orthodontic Treatment?

Contact Garcia Family Orthodontics with any questions or to schedule an appointment!

Call us: (407) 857-0800

Underbite

A side view illustration showing what an underbite looks likeThe lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. An underbite is usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or a combination of the two (Class III Relationship). Underbite can also be caused by flared upper incisors, missing lower teeth or a combination of all the above. Early correction of underbite is recommended.

Underbite should be corrected because it can:

  • prevent proper functioning of the front teeth or molars which can lead to premature wear of the teeth
  • cause chewing or eating problems
  • cause jaw or joint problems
  • make your smile less attractive

A case study example of a jaw with an underbite problem
before

A case study example of a jaw after correcting an underbite
after

How can an underbite be orthodontically corrected?

Underbite can be corrected through growth modification of the jaws, extraction of teeth, or in some cases, surgical correction of the jaws.