When our baby teeth fall out and our permanent adult teeth grow in, we get a brand-new smile. Fortunately, there are numerous professional and home-based solutions to perfect your smile.
Overview
Our adult teeth are shaped by our childhood habits, jawbone growth, and oral hygiene. After losing baby teeth, the development of adult teeth can be influenced by underlying anomalies, poor home care, bad habits like thumb-sucking, and genetics. Thankfully, with the help of a healthcare provider, orthodontic treatments, or cosmetic dentistry, teeth and jaw misalignments can be effectively corrected.
The Specifics
Understanding the Anatomy of Teeth and Jaw
The oral cavity includes the upper jaw bone (maxilla) and lower jaw bone (mandible). The tongue, attached to the hyoid bone, is a free-floating bone in the body. The mouth and jaw bones are lined by gums (gingiva) and buccal mucosa (lip and cheek lining). The hard palate transitions to the soft palate towards the back of the throat, where the uvula hangs.
Anatomy of a Tooth
Humans typically have 32 teeth, classified as molars, canines, and incisors. The roots of teeth are embedded in the jaw bones and are highly sensitive. The white coating on teeth is enamel.
Causes of Teeth and Bite Misalignment
Many misalignment issues are hereditary, but lifestyle habits and trauma can also play a role. Childhood habits like thumb-sucking and pacifier use can affect normal jaw development. Facial or oral trauma can significantly impact the alignment of teeth and jaw bones.
Main Concerns Related to Misaligned Teeth and Bite
To better understand your specific concern, here’s an overview of common misalignment issues:
- Spaced & Misaligned Teeth: Inappropriate spacing and misalignment of teeth can be both functional and cosmetic issues. Diastemas, or gaps between teeth, can result from jaw bone misalignment or oversized jaw bones. Diastemas, commonly seen between the front teeth, can affect speech, eating, and drooling.
- Overcrowding: Overlapping teeth due to a small jaw bone, large teeth, or palate issues can make oral hygiene difficult and affect speech. Overcrowding is often hereditary but can be linked to thumb-sucking.
- Underbite: An underbite occurs when the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw. This noticeable misalignment can affect cosmetics, speech, and oral health. Underbites can be hereditary, result from thumb-sucking, or stem from injury.
- Overjet: Overjet, or buck teeth, describes upper front teeth that protrude diagonally over the lower teeth. This misalignment can cause teeth rubbing and difficulties with speech and eating. It’s typically caused by underdevelopment of the jaw.
- Overbite: Overbite refers to the upper teeth extending over the lower teeth more than usual. A slight overbite is normal, but a pronounced overbite can result from hereditary factors, childhood habits, injury, or tongue thrusting.
- Open Bite: An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed. This condition is usually hereditary but can also result from unequal jawbone or teeth size.
Who Should Consider Correcting Misaligned Teeth or Bite?
Misalignment of teeth and bite can cause both cosmetic and health issues. Those looking to improve self-confidence, enhance facial aesthetics, address functional impacts (speech, eating, or drinking), or maintain oral health may benefit from consulting a certified professional.
Treatment Options for Misaligned Teeth and Bite
Misaligned teeth and bite issues can be addressed with both professional and home treatments, depending on severity. Mild to moderate spacing and alignment problems can be treated with home solutions and orthodontic visits. Severe or complex disorders may require surgical interventions. Consulting with a certified professional can determine the best approach.
FOR SPACED/MISALIGNED TEETH:
Spaced or misaligned teeth can be corrected with both at-home and in-office brace solutions. Traditional metal braces, Damon Braces, Lingual Braces, and clear aligners like ClearCorrect, Invisalign, MTM Clear Aligners, Simpli5, and Smile Direct Club can provide significant results with consistent use. Dental procedures such as Dental Bonding, Dental Bridges, Dental Implants, and Dental Veneers can also offer professional corrections.
FOR OVERCROWDING:
While severe overcrowding may need surgical intervention before using braces, most overcrowding issues can be addressed with professional or home braces solutions. Traditional metal braces, Damon Braces, Lingual Braces, and clear aligners like ClearCorrect, Invisalign, MTM Clear Aligners, Simpli5, and Smile Direct Club are effective and user-friendly with excellent results.
FOR UNDERBITE, OVERBITE, OVERJET, & OPEN BITE:
These conditions vary in severity. Severe cases may require Orthognathic Surgery to correct jaw structure and alignment before further treatment. Many braces solutions like Traditional metal braces, Damon Braces, Lingual Braces, and clear aligners like ClearCorrect, Invisalign, MTM Clear Aligners, Simpli5, and Smile Direct Club can correct mild to moderate cases.
To better understand the treatment options outlined above, explore our guide to Teeth & Bite Alignment Solutions.
The Takeaway
Long-term oral health is vital. We get one set of permanent teeth, and the confidence from a beautiful smile or the continued function of our teeth can be enhanced and preserved through cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic treatments. Consulting with a certified professional can help determine the best course of action to achieve your desired results and maintain optimal oral health.
