Crowding is a common cause of a class I malocclution. It happens when the jaws are placed correctly but teeth are still crowded, irregular or poorly spaced. Crowding can lead to eruption of permanent teeth, aesthetic concerns, and cleaning difficulties.
Deep bites can cause abnormal tooth wear and other problems. Orthopedic issues can be the source of these bad bites.
Open bites often occur with children who sucked their thumbs or fingers. These issues can make chewing difficult and contribute to speech problems.
Crossbites happen when a patient’s teeth are misaligned. Ectopic tooth eruptions can also cause crossbites. Crossbites can lead the jaw to shift so the teeth come together in a bite. Treatment correctly centers both the teeth and the jaw in the center of the patient’s profile.
Underbites—also known as class III malocclutions—happen when bottom front teeth overlap the top. An overbite can occur because the upper jaw is underdeveloped, because the lower jaw is overdeveloped, or both. It can also be caused by problems with the teeth themselves.
Overbites—also known as class II malocclutions—can create crooked or poorly spaced teeth. This can result in an overjet or buck teeth. An overbite can occur because of problems with the teeth, problems with the jaw, or both.
Recent studies have shown that obstructive sleep apnea affects 1-3% of the pediatric population and that habitual snoring is seen in 3-12%. There are several types of obstructive sleep apnea, but there are certain orthodontic treatment plans that can expand the upper airway and increase airflow in the nasal cavity. If your child has been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, schedule your free consult to see how we might be able to help!
