Common Problems

St. Catharines Orthodontic Care for the Most Complex Dental Health Issues

If you are unable to eat, drink, smile or conversate in comfort, you may have a dental health condition that could benefit from orthodontic treatment. Though most dental conditions are common and relatively easy to correct, without proper intervention, they could result in premature wear of the teeth, speech difficulty, erosion of the enamel and even injury to the teeth and jaw joints. At Niagara Orthodontics, our orthodontist in St. Catharines is committed to correcting malocclusions and helping patients achieve an aligned and more comfortable smile. In addition to achieving a more beautiful smile, the right orthodontic treatment can change a patient's life on so many deeper levels. From finally being able to eat in comfort to be able to smile with confidence, most patients enjoy countless life-changing benefits when they undergo timely and targeted orthodontic care.

When a person's teeth or jaws do not fit together properly, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct the problem. If left untreated, these orthodontic problems, often referred to as malocclusions, can cause speech difficulty, premature wear of the teeth and protective enamel, and even increase the chance of injury to the teeth and jaw joints.

Underbite

An underbite is characterized by the lower jaw extending too far out, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth.

Crossbite

This malocclusion occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which may cause tooth stratification and misaligned jaw growth. In order to close the mouth, patients usually move their lower jaw forward or to the side when closing. This incorrect bite results in an improper use of the lower jaws and sometimes brings about facial asymmetry.

Upper Front Teeth Protrusion

The appearance and function of your teeth are impacted by this type of bite. It is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending far enough forward.

Overbite

The upper front teeth extend too far out over the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth. Problems often associated with an overbite include a "gummy" smile, protruding lips and excessive incisor wear.

Crowding

Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gums. It is the most common reason for braces. Not only is crowding unattractive, but it has also been linked to periodontal problems and dental decay because it is harder to clean overlapping teeth's surfaces.

Spacing

Spacing problems may be caused by missing teeth, or they may only be a cosmetic or aesthetic issue. Spacing is another popular reason for braces. The opposite of crowding, spacing is most commonly caused by excessive jaw room for the size of the erupting teeth.

Openbite

Proper chewing is impacted by this type of bite, in which the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. Openbite may cause a number of unwanted habits, such as tongue thrusting or thumb sucking. An early evaluation and intervention is essential in correcting an openbite.

Dental Midlines not Matched

Dental midlines that do not match are evident when the back bite does not fit and match appropriately. This may negatively impact jaw function and proper dental function.

Contact Our Office Today

If you have one or more of the above dental problems, or if you cannot eat, drink or smile in comfort, consult with an experienced orthodontist in St. Catharines regarding treatment options. Call Niagara Orthodontics at 905-935-0644 or contact us online today.