At Sweet Smiles Family Dentistry and Orthodontics, Dr. Fitzgerald and our Tucson team are eager to help as many patients as possible. When you visit us for an orthodontic consultation, we will evaluate the positioning of your teeth and jaws and then formulate a custom treatment plan. Are you curious about the specific problems that we are capable of addressing? Here is a list of some common orthodontic conditions that our treatments are often able to correct:
An underbite occurs when the bottom teeth rest in front of the top teeth. Not only can this adversely affect your facial profile, but it can also contribute to breathing problems, difficulty chewing, and other troublesome issues.
A slight overbite is normal, but when the top front teeth protrude too far in front of the bottom teeth, this is an issue that requires orthodontic care. A significant overbite can allow your lower teeth to irritate your palate, contribute to jaw pain, and cause other problematic complications.
Crooked teeth look unappealing. They can also hit one another at odd angles, leading to an increased risk of breakage and premature wear and tear. Additionally, it is often more difficult to chew if the teeth are crooked.
If your top and bottom front teeth do not make contact even when your back teeth are closed, you have an open bite. This problem is usually caused by excessive thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use during childhood. It can lead to difficulty with chewing and speaking.
Impacted teeth are those that are fully or partially stuck beneath the gumline. Sometimes, they can push against the other teeth and cause them to become misaligned. They also carry other risks. For example, cysts, tumors, and infections can develop around them.
Crowded teeth can easily trap food between them, increasing your risk of gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. They may also affect your ability to speak clearly.
Significant gaps between the teeth might seem innocent and cute, but very often, they can lead to dental health problems. For example, they may leave your gums vulnerable to irritation from outside stimuli. You might also be at a heightened risk of decay.
If some of your bottom teeth overlap your top teeth when your mouth is closed, you have a crossbite. This issue can cause difficulties with eating and speaking, and it may make you feel self-conscious about your smile’s appearance.
An excessive overjet is commonly known as “buck teeth.” It can make it difficult for you to bite down on food, adversely affect your speech, and lead to other complications.
We try to avoid extractions when possible. However, there are some situations in which it is necessary to remove one or more teeth. For example, we may need to do so in order to make room in the mouth for successful orthodontic treatment.
