Orthodontic Problems

There are a multitude of issues which may contribute to an orthodontic problem. Listed below are examples of some of the more common orthodontic problems.

• Top front teeth protrude or are "bucked".
• Top front teeth cover more than 25% of the bottom front teeth (deep bite) when the back teeth are biting together.
• Top front teeth grow in behind the bottom front teeth - anterior cross bite.
• A weak chin or a prominent chin.
• A space exists between the top and bottom front teeth with the back teeth biting together (anterior open bite).
• Crowded, overlapped, misplaced teeth or extra teeth.
• Some teeth don't meet at all (posterior open bite).
• Baby teeth falling out too early or very late.
• The centers of the top and bottom front teeth don't line up.
• Excessive biting of the cheeks.
• Biting the roof of the mouth.
• Finger sucking or thumb sucking habits continuing after 6 years of age.
• Difficulties chewing or biting with teeth that don't meet evenly on both sides.
• Teeth wearing unevenly.
• Jaws that shift off center when the teeth bite together.
• Excessive spaces between teeth that persist after the top permanent canine teeth appear.
• Embarrassing teeth or smile often hidden by hands.