Worn dentition in adults may be caused by various factors, including teeth grinding (bruxism), malocclusion, and age-related wear. Orthodontic treatment can help by realigning the teeth and correcting an underlying malocclusion and reducing excessive forces on specific teeth. Treatment can also help to alleviate grinding and prevent further wear. By promoting healthier alignment and function orthodontic treatment helps support better oral health and preserve the integrity of the dentition.
In a well-aligned smile, the upper front teeth should extend just slightly in front of the bottom ones. When the top teeth extend too far horizontally beyond the lower teeth, it’s considered an overbite. An overbite can present varying degrees of cosmetic and functional issues. While helping to bring the teeth into proper alignment, adult orthodontic treatment to correct an excess overbite also protects the protruding teeth from trauma and promotes a positive self-image. A combination of orthodontic treatment and jaw surgery can resolve severe overbites and jaw relationship discrepancies to achieve healthy, more cosmetic and functional improvements.
An underbite is the term used to describe a situation where lower front teeth sit in front of upper front teeth. Severity can vary between a mild underbite, where the front teeth almost meet; to a situation where the teeth don't meet at all because the gap is so wide. For adults, who have stopped growing, an underbite can pose significant cosmetic and functional issues. While mild/minor underbites often get resolved with orthodontic care alone, more significant ones can require a combination of coordinated orthodontic treatment and jaw surgery.
Open bites in adults occur when the upper and lower teeth fail to meet when the mouth is closed. This situation may be due to long-term oral habits, breathing issues, or dental and facial development. Sometimes, orthodontic treatment alone can correct mild to moderate open bites. In contrast, more severe cases can require orthodontic care and jaw surgery to close the bit and improve appearance and oral function.
Looking at the side-to-side relationships of the top and bottom teeth, the outer cusps of the top teeth should sit on the outside of the lower teeth. When the upper jaw is too narrow or in cases where a top or bottom tooth erupts out of position, a crossbite can occur. Unless corrected with orthodontic care, crossbites can impede optimal jaw movement and result in unhealthy shifts. Crossbites can also compromise TMJ health and function.
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