South Beach, FL Invisalign Pro Discusses Orthodontic Issues

Class I orthodontic problems are those where the jaws line up with each other properly, but the teeth do not. In these cases, the teeth may be too small or too large for the jaw.

Class II problems represent an abnormal bite relationship that creates an overbite, commonly referred to as "buck teeth." This is caused by the upper jaw growing too much and sticking out. It also can be the result of the lower jaw failing to grow enough.

Class IIImalocclusion is when the lower jaw and teeth are positioned in front of the upper jaw and teeth, creating what commonly is called an "underbite."

Crossbite is another fairly common malocclusion that Miami, Coral Gables, Brickell and South Beach braces provider Dr. Grussmark treats. Crossbite usually is caused by a narrow upper jaw or an abnormally wide lower jaw. A narrow upper jaw often forces a patient to move the lower jaw forward or to the side when closing into a maximum bite. When closed into the accommodating position, the lower teeth are located outside the upper teeth.

A posterior crossbite can be limited to just one side of the jaw, referred to as a unilateral crossbite, or both sides of the jaw, called a bilateral crossbite.

Overbite is the term given to the excessive overlapping of the incisor teeth. It also is called deepbite and generally is found in conjunction with a discrepancy between the length of the upper and lower jaws. It often results in the excessive eruption of the upper or lower incisors, or both. Other problems often associated with an overbite include excessive display of gum tissue, lip protrusion, lip entrapment, biting the roof of the mouth and incisor wear.

A "gummy smile" is one that gives a person the appearance of having too much gum exposed above the upper teeth. A variety of treatment options can alleviate this problem. It most frequently can be improved with appropriate orthodontic treatment. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

Openbite is a condition where the upper and lower teeth don't meet as they should. An anterior open bite relates to the front teeth. It is a condition where the upper teeth don't overlap the lower teeth properly and often is the result of poor oral habits, such as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking.

A posterior openbite is when the back teeth do not meet vertically, which prohibits proper jaw function.

Spacing between the teeth are a problem commonly addressed with orthodontic care. Like tooth crowding, spacing can be the result of disharmony between teeth and jaw size. Discrepancies in tooth size, such as smaller teeth or teeth that are abnormally shaped can create spaces between teeth.