Braces and other orthodontic treatments are used to treat malocclusion, which means having crooked teeth or a “poor bite.” One’s bite is the way the upper and lower teeth come together. In a proper bite, the upper teeth sit slightly forward of the lower teeth. Few people have a perfect bite. Malocclusion is sometimes a cosmetic problem, but crooked teeth are also hard to care for properly. This can lead to tooth decay, or even tooth loss.
Our orthodontist, Dr. Shabbir Adenwalla, may recommend braces or other orthodontic treatment to correct malocclusion issues like:
– Spacing or crowding – If there is too much or too little room for the teeth, spacing or crowding may be the result. Crowding can keep permanent teeth from coming in properly, or at all.
– Upper protrusion (overjet) – The upper front teeth are pushed forward. This can be caused by a small lower jaw or by thumb-sucking, which may cause the roof of the mouth to change shape. Upper protrusion is sometimes referred to as buck teeth.
– Open bite – The upper and lower front teeth do not overlap, thus creating an opening straight into the mouth. An open bite can also be present on the side(s) of the mouth.
– Overbite – The upper front teeth go too far down over the lower front teeth. In severe cases, overbite can cause the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
– Underbite – The front lower teeth are farther forward than the front upper teeth.
– Crossbite – Some or all of the upper teeth fit into the wrong side of the lower teeth.
– Rotation – A tooth is turned or tipped.
We encourage you to contact the office of Shabbir Adenwalla, DMD, MS today to learn more about orthodontics in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, and to schedule a visit for yourself or your child.
