There are a few different types of teeth misalignment, which can be caused by various reasons, some of which result from genetics and others from habitual behaviors. While some people are born with crooked teeth, others may experience them due to an injury or poor oral habits. No matter the cause, it’s important to understand the different types of misalignment so you can get the best treatment possible for your needs.
Tooth misalignment is a common problem that can affect both the appearance and function of your teeth. If left untreated, misaligned teeth can cause a wide variety of issues, not only with your dental health but also with general health problems like poor digestion. Let’s look at the 4 most common types of misalignment.
People with overbites have the top teeth overlap with their bottom teeth excessively. It’s the most prevalent form of misalignment, and it can result from your genetics, thumb sucking, or poor oral hygiene. Overbites can cause the lower teeth to wear out prematurely, as well as pain and difficulty chewing.
Underbites are the opposite of overbites and occur when the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth. Underbites make it difficult to chew correctly and may cause jaw joint pain.
A crossbite is when one or more of the upper teeth bite down on the inside of the lower teeth. Crossbites also cause the teeth to wear out, which can lead to gum disease and additional complications.
An open bite is when there’s a space between the upper and lower teeth when you bite down. Open bites are usually caused by thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or other habits that put too much pressure on the front teeth. They can also be caused by an overgrowth of the bones in the back of the mouth.
There are several less common types of teeth misalignment, and each kind can cause different problems with biting, chewing and speaking. Here are some of those less common issues.
Rotated teeth are when they are not aligned in a straight line.
They may be turned to the side or even upside down. Rotated teeth can make it harder to chew your food properly and can also cause jaw pain.
Crowded teeth occur when there’s not enough room in the mouth for all the teeth and overlap, making it difficult to brush and floss correctly. Consequently, crowded teeth make it harder to have proper dental hygiene leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
This is when the center of the upper and lower teeth does not line up properly. It’s usually caused by an overbite or underbite. A displaced midline can cause difficulty chewing and jaw pain.
Teeth misalignment can be treated with various methods, depending on the severity and type of misalignment. Traditionally, braces have been the most common way to treat misalignment. Today, however, most people have heard of Invisalign, which has become one of the most popular replacements for traditional braces.
ClearCorrect is a newer tooth straightening alternative to Invisalign. ClearCorrect aligners are made from clear plastic, so they are virtually invisible and among the most hygienic ways to treat misalignment. They also fit comfortably and are easily removable, so you can take them out when you eat and brush your teeth. ClearCorrect aligners are affordable, and patients report successful results from their use.
If left untreated, teeth misalignment can lead to a variety of serious problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and even bone loss. For this reason, it’s vital that you visit your dentist as soon as possible.
At Evergreen Dental Care, Dr. Richard Chang, a dentist in Alhambra, has been successfully treating patients with ClearCorrect aligners. The results are astonishing, and patients report significant progress after their application.
If you’re suffering from teeth misalignment, don’t wait any longer. Contact Evergreen Dental Care for an evaluation, and let us work on restoring your smile! Find out if ClearCorrect is right for you.
Evergreen Dental Care
937 E Main St
Alhambra, CA 91801
(626) 285-0285