Understanding the Different Types of Malocclusions

Malocclusions are misalignments of the teeth and jaws. These misalignments can affect the way you look as well as your dental health. Whether you have a few or many misaligned teeth, your dentist will be happy to outline your treatment options for a straighter and healthier smile.

Crowding or Spacing

Crowded teeth occur when there is too little room in the jaw to fit all the teeth in their proper alignments. This causes the teeth to overlap or become impacted, preventing them from erupting fully or at all. Spacing is the opposite case, in which the jaw is too large. This causes wide gaps between the teeth.

Open Bite

In a normal, healthy bite, the jaws should fit together such that the upper front teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth. In patients with an open bite, this does not occur, creating a gap between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed.

Overbite or Underbite

Although the front teeth should overlap the lower teeth, if this overlap is excessive, it is called overbite. The opposite case is underbite, in which the lower front teeth extend past the upper front teeth when the jaws are brought together.

Crossbite

A crossbite is a horizontal displacement of the jaws relative to each other. One or more teeth may fit on the inside or outside of the tooth below or above it, rather than sitting atop one another in perfect alignment.

Rotation or Transposition

Teeth sometimes erupt rotated to their normal position, meaning the front of the tooth is not facing completely forward in the jaw. Transposition occurs when a tooth erupts in another’s place, disrupting the natural positioning of the teeth relative to each other.

The time has never been better to improve the look of your smile. Dr. Seidler is pleased to offer adult orthodontics in Sanford and Lake Mary in addition to a full range of dental services. Call 407-268-6409 or click through our website to learn more about Six Month Smiles, dental implants, veneers, and more!