Common Teeth Problems an Orthodontist Can Fix

Braces are used to straighten teeth that are crooked, but did you know braces can also correct many other dental problems? At Intermountain Dental Specialists, our orthodontists use traditional metal braces and clear aligners to address many teeth problems, including the following:

Crowding

Crowding happens when a person does not have enough room in their jaw to fit all their teeth. Crowded teeth will overlap, twist sideways or stick out to fit in the space they have.

Spacing

Also known as gap teeth, spacing happens when there is too much room in the jaw and not enough teeth to fill the space. Spacing can be a result of genetics, narrow teeth, or thumb-sucking habits.

Underbite

An underbite is when the front upper teeth sit behind the front lower teeth, caused by the upper and lower jaw growing at different speeds. If orthodontic treatment is begun while the patient is still developing, special appliances can be used to correct the jaw placement and reverse the underbite.

Overbite

When the upper teeth sit too far in front of the lower teeth, it is known as an overbite. They are usually caused by genetics. Depending on severity, an overbite can be fixed with braces or aligners. Jaw surgery may be necessary for some severe cases of overbite.

Crossbite

A crossbite happens when the upper teeth, in the front or back, sit behind the bottom teeth. Crossbites can be caused by genetics or thumb-sucking.

If you are interested in orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, contact us at Oasis Kids and Orthodontics. We will be happy to discuss potential treatment plans with you.