The structure of your jaw and its relationship to the surrounding facial bones and muscles are two factors that can play a large role in the development of a malocclusion, or bite problem. If you believe you may have a malocclusion, then be sure to schedule a visit to your Frederick dentist to learn about treatment options for fixing your bite. Here is a helpful list that outlines some of the most common dental malocclusions.
Overbite and Underbite
Two of the most common malocclusions people receive treatment for are overbite and underbite. In the former, the top layer of teeth reaches out considerably farther than its counterpart below. Someone with an underbite will experience the opposite, however, with the lower front teeth positioned ahead of the upper front teeth. Since these conditions are fairly common, a cosmetic dentist can provide highly effective treatment options for them.
Protruding Upper Teeth
Another common bite problem, or malocclusion, that family dentists see in patients of various ages is overjet, otherwise known as upper protrusion. For a patient whose teeth suffer from upper protrusion, the most obvious characteristic is “buck teeth,” or upper front teeth that extend upwards and outwards instead of downwards as in a normal bite.
Upper and Lower Jaws that Do Not Meet in the Middle
Upper and lower jaws can also be affected by poor horizontal alignment, resulting in a misplaced midline. This malocclusion occurs when the centers of the lower and upper rows of teeth do not line up. An orthodontist might recommend braces or another appliance type to relocate teeth and establish a clear center point.
If you have any of the malocclusions mentioned here or another that you would like to correct, be sure to schedule a consultation at Premiere Dental Arts. Our Frederick dentists specialize in orthodontic and maxillofacial surgery procedures that can fix a number of misalignment issues. Call us at (240) 215-3510 to learn more about our practice.
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