Malocclusion is dental-speak for crooked teeth. In many cases, crooked teeth can be straightened with clear braces that are so subtle, some call them invisible.
When you look at all the different ways numerous 3-dimensional objects can be positioned, it is not surprising that malocclusion manifests itself in multiple forms. The number of configurations may surprise you:
- When teeth slant forward, it is called upper protrusion, but you may have heard this impairment described, unkindly, as “buck teeth.”
- An overbite takes place when the upper front teeth come down too far over the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. An underbite is the reverse condition—the upper front teeth close farther back than the lower front teeth. An open bite refers to a bite in which the upper don’t overlap the lower teeth. This can be present on the whole bite or just one side.
- Tooth rotation is one of the most prevalent kinds of malocclusion. Rotated teeth appear as if they are twisting out of place. Tooth rotation can create the illusion of uneven coloring because of the way light reflects off the face of teeth.
- When the upper and lower palate are offset to the point where the upper teeth close onto the wrong side of the lower teeth, it is termed a cross bite.
- In some rare cases – called transposition – teeth erupt in spots where other teeth should be. For example, a canine (pointed tooth) comes in where an incisor (front biting tooth) should be. Can you imagine trying to chew if your teeth have been playing musical chairs?
If you or your child has crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, we invite you to schedule a thorough examination promptly. You may be a candidate for clear braces from Invisalign, available from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo. We also provide family dentistry. Schedule an appointment today.
Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:
801-374-0070
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604
