If you are unsatisfied with your smile, there is probably a reason for that, but you may not quite know what this is. There are many common dental conditions that go untreated every year because patients don’t know how easily they can be rectified with the help of orthodontic treatment.
Overbite
This may be the most common untreated dental alignment issue. It is when the front teeth are significantly overlapping in front of the bottom teeth while the molars still align. Leaving this uncorrected can lead to chipping of the bottom teeth as they don’t strike the top teeth correctly, and it can also cause Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome.
Underbite
An underbite is usually accompanied by a misalignment of the jaw that causes the bottom teeth to protrude in front of the upper teeth. This can be quite painful, making chewing and talking difficult. It is a condition that is best addressed as early as possible as it comes with an increased chance of tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss.
Crowding
This is a case of there being insufficient room in the mouth for all of the teeth, causing them to battle for space.
Spacing
Spacing is a common problem for children. The most common issue is a space between the front teeth, but prematurely missing teeth or issues with gum tissue can cause more pronounced issues. This condition may promote gum disease if untreated as food will easily get trapped between teeth and the gumline.
Deep Bite
A more serious form of overbite, a deep bite is caused by the lower jaw being smaller than the upper jaw and the lower teeth contacting the gum tissue instead of the upper teeth.
Crossbite
This uncomfortable bite has the upper or lower teeth on one side of the mouth misaligned, causing tooth contact while chewing on only one side.
Do you believe that you are suffering from one of these common dental conditions? Or are you concerned that your children need braces? Contact Dr. Brodie Bowman and his team. Contact us today to book an appointment at our office in Fort Walton Beach or Niceville!