When an individual’s jaw structure or teeth do not align properly, this can cause malocclusions, or a misalignment between the teeth in the dental arches. When this is the case, orthodontic treatment may be needed to straighten the teeth and promote ideal functionality. As the premier Kansas City, Liberty, and Cameron MO orthodontist, Dr. John Dorsch has been alleviating patients from the following common problems since 1978.
An underbite is characterized by the lower jaw extending too far out, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth.
A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth sit inside of the lower teeth. Crossbites can cause tooth stratification and misaligned growth of the jaw.
This particular type of malocclusion is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending far enough. Upper front teeth protrusions impact both the appearance and functionality of your teeth.
The upper front teeth extend too far out over the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth. Problems often associated with an overbite include a “gummy” smile, protruding lips and excessive incisor wear.
Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gums. It is the most common reason for braces. Not only is crowding unattractive, but it has also been linked to periodontal problems and dental decay because it is harder to clean overlapping teeth’s surfaces.
Spacing problems may be caused by missing teeth, or they may only be a cosmetic or aesthetic issue. Spacing is another popular reason for braces. The opposite of crowding, spacing is most commonly caused by excessive jaw room for the size of the erupting teeth.
An openbite occurs when the upper and lower teeth fail to overlap creating a gap in the front of the mouth, which can impact chewing and spech. Openbites lead to a world of unwanted habits including tongue thrusting.
A mismatch of dental midlines occurs when the back bite does not fit and match the front bite correctly. This will negatively impact proper dental function and weakens the strength of the jaw.
If you are experiencing any of the common problems mentioned above, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Dorsch immediately. Whether you’re in Kansas City, Cameron, or Liberty, MO, Dr. Dorsch is the best orthodontist for the job. A properly-functioning mouth can improve your outlook on life and help you attain a more confident lifestyle.