Misaligned Teeth
There are many reasons why patients seek orthodontic solutions, such as clear aligners, from our dental practice or from specialists in the Richmond area. Although treatment procedures may be similar across practices, every smile is unique and your dental care should reflect that. At Richmond Centre Dental Clinic, we begin with a comprehensive oral exam to fully understand your needs and design a personalized treatment plan. Early detection of misalignment can help prevent more serious oral health issues down the road. Our goal is to educate you about common orthodontic concerns and provide solutions that fit your individual smile.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth extend significantly over the lower front teeth. While a minor overbite (1–3 mm) is considered normal, a more severe overbite measuring 3–9 mm or greater may require correction. Significant overbites can affect the bite, jaw alignment, and overall oral health if left untreated.
Underbite
An underbite is when the lower front teeth protrude beyond the upper front teeth, causing the chin to appear more prominent. Though less common than overbites, underbites can cause similar problems with chewing, speaking, and jaw discomfort. Proper treatment can help correct the alignment and prevent future dental complications.
Crossbite
A crossbite happens when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside, either on one side or both sides of the mouth. Crossbites can occur when the upper jaw is too narrow or the lower jaw is too wide. Early treatment is important to prevent uneven tooth wear, gum issues, and jaw misalignment.
Open Bite
An open bite is characterized by the upper and lower teeth failing to meet when the mouth is closed. This gap can occur in the front or back teeth but is most commonly seen in the front. Open bites are rare compared to other types of misalignment but can cause speech difficulties and chewing problems if not addressed.
Crowded Teeth
Dental crowding occurs when there is not enough space in the jaw for teeth to erupt properly, leading to overlapping or twisted teeth. Ideally, teeth should fit comfortably with a slight overlap between upper and lower rows, but with crowding, alignment is compromised. Treating crowded teeth can improve oral hygiene, appearance, and overall bite function.
Gapped Teeth
Gaps between teeth, also known as diastemas, can result from a mismatch between tooth and jaw size, missing teeth, gum disease, or childhood habits like thumb sucking. Whether the gaps are small or wide, orthodontic treatment options are available to help close the spaces and enhance your smile's appearance and health.