Teeth Alignment Problems – Malocclusions
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Overbite, Underbite And Overcrowding Of Teeth
What Is A Malocclusion Of Teeth?
Teeth alignment problems are also referred to as Malocclusions, and can vary in significance and appearance. Some may only cause an aesthetic issue others provide more functional challenges and potentially pose a clinical concern. For those that do not, to seek remedial action would only be to enhance the appearance and therefore would require private cosmetic dental treatment, whereas, those problems that do pose a health concern may be treated via the NHS or privately – as you choose.
Different types of Braces
and the alignment problem they solve
| Description | Braces and Treatment | Problem | Image | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With 'Gappy teeth' large spaces exist between teeth | Fixed braces and Composite Bonding | Gapping |  |
aesthetic and hygiene |
| An Overbite is where the upper teeth overshoot the lower teeth | Fixed braces | Overbite |  |
aesthetic, gum issues and eating |
| The horizontal plane of the teeth is off centre | Fixed braces | Crossbite |  |
aesthetic, damage and eating |
| The teeth do not have enough space and overlap | Fixed braces, hygienist and teeth whitening | Overcrowding |  |
hygiene and aesthetic |
| The lower row of teeth overshoots the upper | Fixed braces, mild cases Invisalign | Underbite |  |
aesthetic and eating |
| There is a gap between the lower row of teeth and upper | Fixed braces and composite bonding | Open bite |  |
aesthetic and eating |
| The upper teeth sit deeply over the lower teeth | Fixed braces | Deep bite |  |
aesthetic damage and eating |
Taking the first steps in assessing your teeth problems
Consulting an orthodontist who will consider age, severity, desired outcome, and lifestyle for the problems and the treatment recommendations for correcting your teeth.
Generally speaking the type of fixed braces you choose; metal braces, ceramic braces, damon braces will be a personal preference, fastbraces can be an option for the less severe cases, requiring minor realignment and Invisalign is a choice suitable for those of you less concerned about the timeframe, as it will take a little longer.
The prevalence of Malocclusions in the UK is quite high
Some of the most common alignment problems include overcrowding, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and gaps between teeth. These issues not only affect the aesthetics of a smile but can also lead to difficulties in chewing, speaking, and maintaining proper oral hygiene, potentially increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Overcrowding occurs when there isn’t enough space in the mouth for teeth to align properly, causing them to overlap or twist. This is one of the most frequent alignment problems in the UK, with the British Orthodontic Society (BOS) reporting that approximately 30-40% of the population may experience this issue. Overcrowding often requires orthodontic intervention, such as braces, to correct the alignment and prevent further complications.
Another prevalent issue is the overbite, where the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth. According to the BOS, around 15-20% of people in the UK have an overbite severe enough to require treatment. This condition can lead to wear on the lower teeth, jaw pain, and in some cases, speach difficulties.
Underbites, though less common, are another significant concern. An underbite occurs when the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth, which can cause chewing difficulties and lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The BOS estimates that about 5-10% of the UK population has an underbite that might necessitate orthodontic correction.
Crossbites, where the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed, are also notable. This condition can affect both the front and back teeth and is present in about 5-15% of the UK population. Crossbites can lead to tooth wear, gum recession, and asymmetrical jaw growth if left untreated.
Gaps between teeth, known as diastemas, are another common alignment issue. While some people may not consider gaps problematic, they can sometimes lead to gum problems or impact the aesthetics of the smile. The prevalence of diastemas in the UK varies widely, but it’s estimated that a significant portion of the population experiences this to some degree, often requiring cosmetic or orthodontic treatments if it causes concern.
Overall, dental alignment issues are widespread in the UK, with many people requiring some form of orthodontic treatment to address these concerns. The BOS and other dental health organisations continue to emphasise the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent the long-term consequences of these common dental problems.
The best age for diagnosing a problem
Early diagnosis of teeth malocclusions is crucial for achieving optimal treatment outcomes. Ideally, a dentist will perform a comprehensive oral examination around age 7 to identify any potential issues. This initial screening can reveal minor misalignments or underlying jaw discrepancies that might benefit from early intervention. As children grow and their permanent teeth erupt, any developing misalignment problems become more evident. Orthodontists, specialists in tooth movement, typically take over diagnosis and treatment planning during the pre-teen or teenage years. While some misalignment issues might be present in childhood, others like impacted wisdom teeth or specific jaw growth patterns may not manifest until young adulthood. Regular dental checkups throughout childhood and adolescence remain essential for timely detection and intervention if needed.
However, it is a myth that braces cannot offer an effective treatment for adults with teeth alignment problems. For more information on adult braces please arrangr a free consultation.
Re-aligning your Teeth with Braces
The treatment process for any teeth problem always starts with a consultation and assessment. If you have spotted a potential problem early, then regular monitoring of this will allow early intervention and to apply an appropriate orthodontics treatment during the years of growth will often allow a much less severe treatment.
Whites Dental have an experienced Childrens Orthodontist able to provide the best advice to you and your child and will ensure the best solution and timings are fully communicated.
The pages within our website provide many resources on orthodontic treatments and our staff are also available should you prefer to visit the clinic. Additionally you can take advantage of a free consultation to assess the problem and provide an initial indication of the next steps, whether you are an adult seeking corrective measures or a parent trying to plan the best time to intervene, we have the specialists able to solve your teeth alignment issue. You may also find that getting familiar with the braces treatment procedures also helpful and within these pages you will find the answers to many of your questions such as How are braces glued to teeth? and more general product information along side hygiene and matters relating to keeping your braces clean.
Braces treatments are available through the NHS for any treatment with clinical need, however, this will rarely take into consideration issues such as low self-esteem or mild speach problems. You can find out more about how ‘clinical need’ is assessed by the NHS on our site providing detailed information regarding the Costs of Fixed Braces in London.
Whites Dental provides treatments such as Invisalign braces, fixed braces, metal braces & ceramic braces for teeth straightening. They also provide related dental treatments such as composite bonding, teeth whitening, general and emergency dental treatments & hygienist services.
The Clinic at Waterloo offers an experienced dental team Easily accessible from Borough, London Bridge, Southwark, Blackfriars and Elephant and Castle, our clinic offers state of the art facilities in a warm and friendly environment. We are based adjacent to Southwark Tube station. 10 minutes’ walk from London Bridge, Elephant and Castle, Blackfriars station, Waterloo, Southbank and Borough.
Our Marble Arch dental team serves North and South Kensington, Covent Garden, Belgravia, Paddington & Marylebone, also offering a full range of dental treatments such as orthodontic braces, cosmetic dentistry and dental hygiene.
Both our clinics provide interest free – 0% interest – finance payment plan options for all types of dentistry treatments. Please contact us to book a free initial consultation on a range of cosmetic dentistry, teeth alignment, braces and smile enhancements treatments. We often have weekday, evening and weekend appointments available.
