Misalignment, as simple as it may sound, holds a myriad of intricacies within. When we smile, it’s not just about the white shine, but also how our teeth sit together. Often, patients walk into our orthodontist Hampshire practice unaware of the variety of dental misalignments and the multitude of resolutions we offer. Today, let's look into the common types of dental misalignments and understand how these can be tackled with precision and care.
Understanding the misalignment universe
Have you ever noticed how a row of books, if one is out of line, throws off the whole look? Teeth, in a similar way, as we are aware at Winchester Orthodontics, have their nuances. Different forms of misalignments, or in dental terms - 'malocclusions', manifest in various ways. Some might cause an overlapping of teeth, while others may lead to spaces that seem like little chasms in an otherwise even line-up.
Crowding and overlapping
In the world of teeth, space is prime estate. When there isn't enough room for all teeth to fit normally, they tend to jostle for position. This can lead to overlapping or crowding. Imagine, if you will, a dance floor overcrowded with guests. The scene soon becomes chaotic with dancers bumping into each other. Similarly, overcrowded teeth can appear twisted, overlapping, or bunched up. Not only is this an aesthetic concern but it also poses challenges for oral hygiene. Cleaning between crowded teeth can be a task, leading to potential dental issues down the line.
Spacing and gaps
The opposite of crowding, spacing issues arise when there's an abundance of room. Gaps, especially between the two upper front teeth, can be a source of self-consciousness for many. Beyond aesthetics, larger gaps can also be problematic for the gums, as they are more exposed and vulnerable to injury or disease.
Treatment for gaps with our orthodontist Hampshire usually involves braces or aligners, pulling teeth closer to fill the void. Sometimes, dental veneers or bonding might be considered, especially if the gaps are localised and not a result of overall spacing in the jaw.
Overbites and underbites
Then we come across overbites and underbites, which are essentially mismatches in how the upper and lower jaws meet. In an overbite, the upper teeth extend too far out over the lower ones. Conversely, an underbite sees the lower teeth jutting out ahead of the upper set.
These misalignments are not just about looks. They can impact the way you speak, eat, and even breathe. More severely, they might lead to wear and tear on teeth, jaw pain, and other complications.
Crossbites and open bites
The list doesn’t end there. Crossbites see a mix of teeth leaning both inwards and outwards, in an inconsistent manner. It's like a disjointed chorus line where everyone's out of sync. On the other hand, open bites present a situation where the front teeth, both upper and lower, slant outwards to such an extent that they don't touch, even when the mouth is closed.
Crossbites can lead to asymmetrical jaw growth if left unaddressed, while open bites can make biting and chewing a challenge. Customised treatments, often involving functional appliances or alignment bars like the Inman system, are often used by our orthodontist Hampshire to realign the teeth and remedy these issues effectively.