Here are five of the common problems and treatments for dental alignment issues. Reading about them will help you learn more about the benefits of getting an orthodontic insurance plan.
- Crowded or Crooked Teeth
Crowded or crooked teeth are commonly seen in kids, adults, and older adults. When the teeth erupt and grow, they become overlapped, twisted, angled, or rotated. These teeth alignment issues can ruin a perfect smile and lead to several oral health problems in the long run.
Dental braces are among the most commonly preferred treatments, especially for severely crowded teeth. The different types of braces available are metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign.
- Open Bite
Open bite is a rare type of misalignment when the upper and lower front teeth slant outward so they don’t touch when the mouth is shut. It can develop in the front of the mouth (anterior) or the mouth’s back (posterior).
One of the most common causes of an open bite is sucking on a thumb or pacifier or another object like a pencil, straining their teeth’s alignment. This condition may also be caused by a mismatch in the lower and upper jaws’ size.
Open bites are treatable at any age, but it’s less painful to treat when adult teeth aren’t fully grown in. The common treatment plans include high pull headgear, clear aligners (Invisalign), vertical chin cup, bite block, and orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery).
- Deep Overbite
A deep overbite is the result of misalignment of the teeth and jaws, often caused by genetics. It can also be due to teeth crowding, rotten teeth, poor or failing dental work, and missing teeth, notably missing back teeth. Although it may appear as an aesthetic issue, a bad bite is much more severe.
Neglecting your deep overbite condition can leave your lower front teeth damaged from a gradual wearing down over time. It could also lead to the development of sores and ulcers in the roof of the mouth.
The different treatment plans for deep overbite conditions include hidden braces, conventional fixed braces, clear braces, and clear aligners (Invisalign). In severe deep overbite cases, orthognathic surgery may be the best solution depending on the extent of your deep bite and your facial profile.
- Underbite
An underbite is a dental condition wherein the lower front teeth and jaw protrudes in front of the upper front teeth and jaw. This is a class III orthodontic malocclusion that can range from slight to severe.
Underbites should never go uncorrected. If they are left untreated, extreme pain, jaw problems, and dental conditions can result over time. Common complications include increased risk for tooth decay, sleep apnea, increased snoring, and Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD).
If a baby is born with an underbite condition, a growth modification device helps position their jaw correctly early on. Treatments are still possible for adults with an underbite, but choices are limited since the jaw and teeth have fully developed. The standard treatment options for an underbite include dental braces, clear aligners, “reverse-pull” face masks, and upper jaw expanders.
- Overjet
An overjet describes a dental condition where the top teeth protrude over the bottom one. This dental condition commonly results from underdevelopment of either the upper jaw or lower jaw, resulting in a disproportionate facial structure. Some people call it “buck teeth.”
An overjet can make it hard for some people to bite, chew, and speak. It can also cause the teeth to rub together unnaturally, which causes severe jaw or tooth pain.
The standard treatments for overjet include braces and Invisalign. However, when malocclusion is severe, the dentist will likely refer the patient to an orthodontist for further testing and treatment.
Choose the Right Orthodontic Insurance Plan
Good dental health translates to good health overall. In choosing the right orthodontic insurance plan, ensure that the one you’re considering covers orthodontic services. Read about the plan materials to learn about covered and non-covered services, such as braces and other orthodontic treatments.
If you want to learn some dental insurance cost-savings tips, feel free to contact your nearest dental insurance provider today. You may also discover different insurance plans suitable for your spouse and dependents.