Gaps between the teeth are extra space. While a slight gap may not be a big deal, wider gaps can pose problems from an aesthetic and a dental wellness perspective. Large spaces between teeth leave room for food particles and plaque to collect. This leads to tooth decay if left unchecked. The buildup of plaque, bacteria, and decay can lead to gum disease.
Technically, an overbite is when the front top teeth overlap the bottom front teeth. That’s normal, right? Yes, but if your dentist tells you that you have an overbite, that means the overlap is too large. This can lead to jaw pain issues, and many people with an overbite feel that it negatively impacts their appearance.
An underbite is when the lower teeth stick out beyond the front teeth. This misalignment detracts from the appearance and can also cause dental issues like excessive wearing of the teeth, increased risk of decay, and jaw pain.
An open bite is a condition where there is a gap between the upper and lower teeth. While an open bite is not usually as noticeable as an overbite or underbite, this is another misalignment issue that can cause dental problems such as difficultly closing your mouth, speech issues, or jaw pain.
Crossbite means that some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth or directly on top when the mouth is closed. While no one sees inside your mouth when it is closed, a crossbite can cause issues such as trouble biting or chewing, headaches, or toothaches.
Crowding of the teeth can cause crooked teeth, difficulty cleaning teeth (i.e., flossing), and can make you self-conscious of your smile. For mildly crowded teeth, Clear Aligners may be the answer you’ve been looking for.
As always, keep in mind that every case is unique. To find out if Invisible Aligners are for you, there are a couple of options. The first option is to use the 6MS Virtual Assessment tool to receive full smile gallery and assessment from an orthodontic professional. You also have the option to schedule an in-person consultation using our convenient Find a Dentist website to locate a Provider near you.