What is Tooth Protrusion?
When the bones of the jaw and the teeth do not join together properly, this is known as a malocclusion, or bad bite. Malocclusions can lead to many types of problems, including difficulties with speech, premature wear and tear on the teeth, injury to the jaw or to the teeth, interference with effective hygiene, and aesthetic and functional compromise. Orthodontists can treat malocclusion and help restore the teeth to their optimal function, health, and appearance.
There are several different types of malocclusion, including protrusion. When the lower front teeth protrude, this is known as negative overjet. Negative overjet is characterized by the lower front teeth protruding farther out than the upper front teeth. Protrusion of the upper front teeth, also called excessive overjet, is characterized by an excessive overlap of the top teeth over the bottom teeth. Both types of protrusion can be caused by the misalignment of the jaw or of the teeth, which can arise due to trauma to the mouth, tooth fracture, or a skeletal condition. Protrusion, whether of the upper or lower teeth, can lead to abnormal, uneven wear on the teeth and dysfunction in the jaw joints.
There are other types of malocclusion, and each can lead to specific challenges and problems. Anterior crossbite is characterized by one or more of the teeth in the top front fitting behind the bottom teeth when the jaw is closed and can lead to misalignment, jaw strain, and excessive wear on the teeth. Crowding of the teeth is another common malocclusion, occurring when there is not enough room in the jaws for the teeth to erupt properly positioned. The teeth appear crooked and crowded and may be difficult to clean, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Deep bite, which is also called excessive overbite, is characterized by an excessive overlap of the upper anterior teeth over the lower anterior teeth. Excessive overbite can cause the lower front teeth to press into and possibly injure the roof of the mouth, and it can also lead to wear on the teeth and possible inflammation or recession of the gum tissue. Midline asymmetry, which is characterized by the centers of the upper front teeth and the lower front teeth aligning improperly, is often an indication that the back teeth don’t fit together properly.
When an anterior open bite is present, the front teeth don’t connect properly, which can affect a person’s ability to eat and speak effectively and can also lead to excessive wear on the bite surfaces of the back teeth. An anterior open bite can develop in people who habitually thrust their tongues against their teeth or who sucked their thumbs in childhood, or it may indicate an underlying skeletal issue. Another type of malocclusion, the posterior crossbite, is characterized by one or more of the top molars or premolars fitting inside the bottom teeth. This can lead to improper alignment in the jaw and strain on the joints of the jaw, and it may create excessive wear on the teeth. Finally, excessive space between the teeth, which can lead to problems speaking and excessive food debris impaction, can be caused by an oversized jaw or missing or undersized teeth. All types of malocclusion can be treated by an orthodontist and can restore the ideal function and attractive appearance of the mouth and teeth.