One of the primary reasons an orthodontic treatment is needed is for malocclusions. Malocclusions are bad bites that are caused by irregular teeth with misalignments in your mouth. Misaligned teeth can cause them to grind against each other and wear down over time, as well put you at a host of other oral health risks. It’s important to know what malocclusions are, the various types that exist, and how to spot them.
Most forms of malocclusions occur in your incisors. These are the teeth in the front of your mouth that play a primary role in your ability to speak properly, as well as tearing food apart so chewing can begin. If your incisors fail to meet correctly when biting down, this is called an open bite. If your upper incisors are not aligned with the center of your lower incisors, this is referred to as a misplaced midline. If your upper incisors stick out past your lower incisors, this is referred to as an overbite or buck teeth. If your lower incisors stick out past your upper incisors, this is a referred to as an underbite or bulldog teeth.
Malocclusions can also take the form of a variety of spacing issues within your mouth. This includes irregular gaps or improperly spaced teeth in your mouth, including overcrowded or too many teeth present. If the teeth are improperly rotated, this is referred to as a rotation malocclusion. Another form of malocclusion occurs when teeth pop up above your gums in the wrong place, which is called a transposition malocclusion.
If you think your teeth could use a little extra work and would like to have a professional exam from our team at Schouten Orthodontics, simply book an appointment at our orthodontic office in Price, Utah, by calling us at 435.637.0820. Dr. John R. Schouten and the rest of our team are here to proudly keep you and your smile healthy and happy.
