Underbite
An underbite is characterized by the lower jaw extending out in front of the upper jaw. This is easiest visualized when the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth. Underbites often result in premature tooth wear and if untreated may result in a greater need for future surgical correction.
Spacing
Spacing problems may result from missing teeth, proportionally small teeth, or tooth/jaw discrepancies. Any of these may result in a bite that is not aligned or functions improperly.
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
Protrusion is characterized either by the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending far enough forward. Protrusive teeth may be at increased risk of being traumatized or have a detrimental esthetic appearance.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gum. Crowding can often appropriately be corrected by expansion, and many times tooth extractions can be avoided with timely intervention and management.
Crossbite
Crossbite is when one or more of the upper teeth are out of position and sit incorrectly inside of the lower teeth. This may cause tooth premature tooth wear and misaligned jaw growth.
Overbite
Excess overbite is present when upper front teeth extend out over the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
Openbite
An openbite exists if the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. This often results in a compromise of proper chewing function or speech.
Dental midlines not matched
Incorrect midline alignment results when the back bite does not fit properly or when teeth are crowded out of the arch. This may negatively impact jaw function or have undesirable esthetic compromises.