There is more to orthodontic treatment than just straightening teeth. There are a number of problems that warrant treatment, and the process depends on what your specific issues are. Each patient is unique, which means treatment is also unique. Here are some of the most common reasons that kids and adults may need to see an orthodontist.
Crowding
A very common issue is crowding, which means that there isn’t enough room for all of your teeth to erupt into proper position. The result is overlapping teeth. Not only does your smile look crowded, it makes it difficult to clean your teeth well and can lead to cavities or other problems.
Spacing
The opposite of crowding, spacing is when your teeth are farther apart that you’d like. Small or missing teeth can create spacing problems. Correction may be advised for cosmetic reasons, as well as trouble chewing or biting food.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when your top teeth cover the bottom teeth too much. In severe cases, the roof of your mouth can even be damaged by your lower teeth.
Underbite
When your bottom teeth stick out further than your top teeth, it’s called an underbite. This problem is often related to the lower jaw extending further than the upper jaw. Chewing problems and excessive tooth wear are common results of an underbite.
Crossbite
A crossbite exists when your upper molars fit inside your lower molars. This can be caused by an overly wide lower jaw or an overly narrow upper jaw. Several orthodontic treatments may be options for correcting a crossbite.
Orthodontist for teens and adults in the Sherman Oaks, CA area.
