Cross-bite
Usually genetic in nature, cross-bite occurs when your upper and lower jaw do not line up. Aside from aesthetics, if the condition is not corrected, it can result in problems with your bite – making eating certain foods painful. The nature and structure of our teeth can also affect your speech and pronunciation. As this condition makes it difficult to clean all your teeth properly, it is a common cause of tooth decay.
Overbite
In this case, your upper front teeth will close over your lower teeth. This condition can be brought about by genetics, trauma or bad chewing.
If left untreated, cross-bite can result in:
- Jaw pain
- Headaches
- Damaged enamel
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Speech problems
Underbite
Patients whose lower teeth protrude past the upper front teeth suffer from an underbite. Like most dental problems, an underbite can be hereditary or caused by habits like tongue thrusting. The condition can result in:
- Facial abnormalities
- Chewing
- Speaking difficulties
- Tooth decay
- Loss of enamel
- Eating difficulties
- Tooth decay
Gaps
Although some are born with gapped teeth, spaces between your teeth can develop from poor chewing habits, tongue thrusting or gum disease. Problems associated with gaps include
- Crowed teeth
- Tooth decay
- Eating difficulties
- Toothaches