Treatment for Occlusions (Bites)

Orthodontic treatment may be necessary when the jaws or teeth are not properly aligned. An unaligned occlusion (bite) is known as malocclusion, and it can cause severe problems if it is left untreated, causing premature wear on the teeth and enamel, increased the risk of injury to the teeth and jaw joints, triggered speech difficulties and more.

An orthodontic examination and x-rays at Escott Orthodontics will reveal if you are experiencing an overbite, underbite, crossbite, protrusion of the upper front teeth, crowding, spacing issues, an open bite or unmatched dental midlines. Orthodontic treatment will realign the teeth and jaws so that the patient has a beautiful smile and healthy teeth.

Underbite

An underbite is caused when the lower jaw is positioned too far forward, which causes the lower front teeth to bite in front of the upper front teeth. An underbite is typically caused an excessive growth of the lower jaw or lack of growth in the upper jaw. An underbite can prevent proper functioning of the front and back teeth and can cause joint dysfunction or TMJ. Early treatment is recommended. If treatment is delayed until the patient is a teenager or adult, treatment of an underbite could require surgery or tooth extraction. By correcting an underbite while a child is growing, surgery and/or extractions may be avoided. Adults with an underbite may benefit from specialized techniques used by Dr. Escott to help patients avoid jaw surgery and extractions. These techniques offer alternatives to patients who traditionally had no alternatives to jaw surgery.

Crossbite

A crossbite is a malocclusion that causes one or more upper teeth to sit inside the lower teeth, which can cause tooth erosion and asymmetric jaw growth. Patients usually move their lower jaw forward or sideways when they close their jaw. A crossbite forces the patient to misuse their lower jaw and can sometimes cause facial asymmetry.

A crossbite should be treated early to limit premature wear in the teeth, possible gum disease and bone loss, asymmetrical development of the jaws, unhealthy chewing patterns and jaw joint dysfunction (TMJ). A crossbite can be corrected with orthodontics; the type of treatment recommended depends on the position and type of crossbite.

Upper Front Teeth Protrusion

An upper front teeth protrusion causes the upper front teeth to protrude excessively forward but may also be created when the lower teeth do not reach far enough. The protrusion of the upper front teeth dramatically affects the appearance and function of the teeth. Orthodontic treatment can realign the upper front teeth and create a beautiful smile.

Overbite

An overbite is also known as a deep bite, which causes the upper front teeth to extend too far over the lower front teeth. The lower teeth then bite into the roof of the mouth, and this can cause issues like a gummy smile, excessive wear on the incisors, improper functioning of the front teeth, periodontal problems, unusual wear of the lower front teeth and a less attractive smile. An overbite can be treated successfully using orthodontic care. Early treatment is recommended.

Crowding

Crowded teeth occur when there is insufficient room for the teeth to erupt from the gums. Overcrowding is the number one reason for braces, and it has been linked to periodontal issues and decay because there is not enough room to properly clean the surface of overlapped and crowded teeth. Patients achieve tremendous success using orthodontic care to straighten and align overcrowded teeth.

Spacing

Spacing problems are caused by missing teeth or excessive space in the jaw. Braces can adequately align the teeth to create proportionate space throughout the mouth. A healthy bite and a beautiful smile are achieved when braces are used to treat spacing issues.

Open bite

An open bite is caused when the upper or lower front teeth do not overlap. A vertical overlap of the front teeth is caused by habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, sucking on objects or when the jaws do not grow evenly. Dr. Escott can help growing children stop these habits that are negatively impacting the growth of the jaws.

Early treatment should be utilized because an open bite can create premature wear on the back teeth, unhealthy chewing patterns and jaw joint dysfunction (TMJ). A beautiful, fully-functioning smile is possible using orthodontic treatment.

Mismatched Dental Midlines

Mismatched dental midlines cause the back bite not to fit or match appropriately. When the dental midlines are incompatible, it can negatively impact the jaws function. Early intervention is key.

Escott Orthodontics offer treatments to realign mismatched midlines, which allows full functioning of the jaw and proper chewing. A beautiful smile is achieved when the teeth and jaw are correctly aligned.

About Escott Orthodontics

With locations in Lake County and Orlando, Florida, Escott Orthodontics is your top choice for high quality orthodontic care. Dr. Christopher Escott is a certified orthodontist and a true specialist in orthodontic treatment. Using modern techniques and meticulous attention to detail, Dr. Escott shapes amazing smiles for his patients. Whether you are interested in braces or Invisalign, you are welcome to visit our practice for a free consultation.