Douglas Peyton, DDS, MS | Des Moines Orthodontics  
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Commonly Treated Orthodontic Problems

 

Crowding: Teeth may be crowded because the jaw size is small and/or the teeth are large. The gums over the roots of extremely crowded teeth can be thin and recede as a result. Impacted teeth, poor biting relationships, and a poor appearance may be caused by crowded teeth.

Overjet (protruding upper teeth): Upper front teeth that protrude excessively beyond the lower front teeth are more prone to injury, often indicate a poor bite on the back teeth, and be a sign of uneven jaw growth. Usually, protruding upper front teeth are associated with a lower jaw that has had insufficient growth. Thumb or finger sucking habits can also be a cause of increased overjet.

Deep Overbite: A deep bite is characterized by the upper front teeth covering most of the lower front teeth when biting together. If the lower front teeth bite into the palate or gum tissue behind the upper front teeth there can be significant bone damage and discomfort. A deep bite can also contribute to excessive wear of the lower front teeth.

Open bite: An open bite is characterized by a lack of contact by the front teeth when biting together. The lack of contact by the front teeth causes all of the chewing pressure to be placed on the back teeth, making chewing less efficient and may contribute to significant tooth wear.

Crossbite: The most common crossbite is when the upper teeth touch inside the lower teeth when biting. Crossbites can occur with either the front or back teeth, and are commonly corrected at an early age.

Underbite (protruding lower jaw): An underbite is characterized by lower front teeth that protrude ahead of the upper front teeth when biting. Underbites can be caused by altered tooth positions or abnormal jaw growth. Careful diagnosis and treatment planning is required for successful treatment of these patients.

     
       
oines Orthodontics
  Des Moines Orthodontics
22221 7th Avenue South, Des Moines WA 98198
p: 206.824.8288
f: 206.824.3859
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