Common Bite Problems
Orthodontic treatment objectives involve correcting aesthetic issues, and even more importantly, dental health issues such as bite problems. A good, functional bite is important to ensure that the long-term health of your teeth, gums and jaw bone are well-protected.
Common bite problems include:
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Excessive overjet
An overjet is often incorrectly called an overbite. An excessive overjet occurs when the upper front teeth are too far ahead of the lower front teeth eg. buck-teeth. An increased overjet carries the risk of increased trauma; such as knocking and chipping of the upper front teeth. -
Increased or deep overbite
An increased or deep overbite occurs when the vertical overlap between the upper and lower front teeth is more than normal. This can lead to tooth-wear and gum recession.
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Reverse overjet
A reverse overjet, sometimes called an under bite, can be due to incorrect positions of the upper and lower teeth, but more often it is due to the misalignment of the upper and lower jaws. A reverse overjet can lead to chewing difficulties and tooth-wear. -
Open bites
An anterior open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting down. Sometimes, there may also be a posterior open bite, in which case the back teeth do not touch when biting. Open bites can affect chewing. They can also cause speech problems and tooth-wear. -
Cross-bites
Cross-bites can occur in the region of the front teeth or the back teeth. In the region of the front teeth, the upper teeth should sit in front of the bottom teeth. If one or more of the upper front teeth sit behind the bottom front teeth, this is called an anterior cross-bite. In the region of the back teeth, the upper back teeth should sit outside of the bottom back teeth. If one or more of the upper back teeth sit inside the bottom back teeth, this is called a posterior cross-bite. Cross-bites can cause tooth-wear, gum recession, and sometimes, jaw growth and asymmetry issues.
To arrange for a consultation with our specialist orthodontist Dr Jasprit Singh, please call us on 02 6111 2946 or 0456 711 950.