If you believe that you are suffering from a dental malocclusion, you should visit an orthodontist near Bristol to preserve your dental health. Dental occlusion is the term for the contact between your upper and lower teeth that occurs when you chew or talk. Here is a look at common dental malocclusions, which can occur as a result of crooked teeth, periodontal disease, missing teeth, or jaw problems. 
Overbites, Underbites, Open Bites, and Cross Bites
Dental malocclusions can cause the teeth to gradually shift out of alignment over time, resulting in crooked teeth. Overbites occur when the upper front teeth come down too low over the lower front teeth when you bite down. Underbites occur when the lower front teeth are pushed further forward than the upper front teeth. An open bite is one that prevents the upper and lower front teeth from overlapping when the back molars are touching. A cross bite occurs when the upper teeth do not fit into the proper lower teeth when biting down.
Spacing or Crowding Problems
Malocclusions can also occur due to spacing or crowding problems in the mouth or jaw. Too much room or too little room can prevent teeth from coming in properly or at all, or can cause crooked teeth as the teeth shift in the jaw to make room for each other. Orthodontists typically treat spacing or crowding problems with braces or Invisalign aligners. Braces and Invisalign aligners can safely and gently shift teeth back into alignment, preventing future dental health problems and improving oral care and dental hygiene.
Protrusion, Rotation, and Transposition
An upper protrusion causes the upper front teeth to be pushed outwards. This condition is sometimes called buckteeth. Rotation occurs when a tooth turns out of its normal position. Transposition occurs when teeth grow in on top of each other. An orthodontist can treat these conditions using braces, Invisalign aligners, a tooth extraction, or other cosmetic dentistry methods.
