Spaces between teeth are another common problem associated with the need for orthodontic care. Like crowding, spacing may be related to a tooth-to-jaw size disharmony. Gum tissue attachment called “frenae” are also a common cause of spacing between the front teeth. Excessive vertical overlap of the front teeth as well as incisor protrusion may lead to spacing. Other contributing factors include atypical or unusually narrow teeth, and missing or impacted teeth.
Crowding of the teeth is the most common problem associated with the need for orthodontic care. Although many factors contribute to the dental crowding, this problem usually stems from a discrepancy between space available in each jaw and the size of the teeth. Aside from aesthetic considerations, poor alignment of teeth may be associated with periodontal problems and an increased risk of dental decay due to difficulty in maintaining proper oral hygiene.
Class III problems are also primarily genetic in origin. In this instance, the lower jaw and teeth are displaced to the front of the upper jaw structures. Facially, the appearance may give the impression that the lower jaw is excessively large, but in many cases the lack of upper jaw development is at fault.
Class II problems represent abnormal bite relationships in which the upper jaw and teeth project ahead of the lower jaw called “overjet.” Class II patients usually exhibit a convex facial profile with a deficient chin prominence. Typically, a Class II problem is inherited and results in a shorter than normal lower jaw. Other factors, such a persistent thumb sucking can aggravate these problems. Correction of this disorder generally requires influencing facial growth to bring the upper and lower jaws and teeth into their proper position.
Both upper and lower jaws and teeth are forwardly placed leading to convex facial profile and incompetent lips. Usually upper and lower teeth are well arranged in such cases
Excessive vertical overlapping of incisor teeth called “overbite” is generally found in association with a discrepancy between the length of the upper and lower jaws. It usually results in excessive eruption either the upper or lower incisors or both. Associated problems include: 1) excessive display of gum tissue 2) lip protrusion or entrapment, 3) biting the roof of the mouth and 4) incisor wear.
Posterior cross bites usually result from a constricted upper jaw or unusually wide lower jaw. A narrow upper jaw will often force a patient to move their lower jaw forward or to the side when closing into a stable bite. When closed into this accommodated position, the lower teeth are located outside the upper teeth. This posturing may result in an incorrect functional position of the lower jaw with accompanying facial asymmetry.
A lack of vertical overlap of the incisor teeth can usually be traced to jaw disharmony or persistent habits (i.e. digit sucking habits and posturing of the tongue between the front teeth) or excessive vertical growth of one or both jaws. Early assessment and intervention with these disorders is critical to the overall success.