Malocclusion is the technical term for crooked teeth. Most of us with crooked teeth had them straightened as teenagers, most often with traditional metal braces. ClearCorrect braces from Steven T. Cutbirth in Waco is an alternative that a lot of patients find very desirable.
There are a lot of different ways that teeth can grow in, other than the way we think of as an ideal bite. The number of configurations may surprise you:
When teeth slant forward, it is called upper protrusion, but you may have heard this abnormality referred to, unkindly, as “buck teeth.”
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth come down too far over the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. An underbite is the reverse – 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 happen on the whole bite or just one side.
Tooth rotation is one of the most frequent forms 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 out of alignment to the point where the upper teeth close onto the wrong side of the lower teeth, it is called 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.
Aesthetics are only one issue at play. Crooked teeth can increase the possibility of tooth decay, tooth damage, and TMD. Young children with crooked teeth may have difficulty learning how to speak, and if they can’t chew meat and raw vegetables correctly, they may miss out on needed nutrients due to a limited diet.
ClearCorrect clear braces are a way to straighten teeth without conspicuous metal braces. To find out if you or your child is a good candidate for clear braces, call Steven T. Cutbirth DDS in Waco for a consultation. We also provide general and cosmetic dentistry. Make an appointment today.
Contact Steven T. Cutbirth DDS:
254-772-5420
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1613 Lake Success Dr
Waco, Texas
76710