Bite Problems

Crossbite

Unilateral Crossbite

Upper posterior (back) teeth are in crossbite if they erupt and function inside or outside of the lower posterior teeth. Lower anterior (front) teeth are in crossbite if they erupt and function in front of the upper anterior teeth. A crossbite can involve an individual tooth or groups of teeth.

Open Bite and Bilateral Crossbite

Open Bite

A malocclusion in which teeth do not make contact with each other is called an open bite. With an anterior open bite, the front teeth do not touch when the back teeth are closed together.

Transposed Teeth

Transposed teeth are teeth that have switched positions. Orthodontists typically have two options for dealing with transposed teeth: leave the teeth transposed or correct the transposition. The most commonly transposed tooth is the permanent canine with either the first premolar or lateral incisor.

Ankylosis

Ankylosed teeth are teeth that are anchored in the jawbone and will not move. Ankylosis is a dental condition in which the roots of teeth lose their normal attachment to the bone and become fused directly to the bone. The cause of this condition is unknown, but it is fairly common, particularly in lower molars. Because the ankylosed tooth is fused to the bone, it will no longer erupt normally and can appear submerged.

Tongue Thrust

Normally, when you swallow your tongue presses against the roof of your mouth. Individuals with a tongue thrust dysfunction push their tongue against their teeth when swallowing, similar to how an infant swallows. Forces generated by the tongue can move the teeth and bone and may lead to an anterior or posterior open bite.