Dental misalignments are common. They may make it harder to properly clean around your teeth or even affect the way you speak. If a dentist diagnoses you with this issue, an orthodontic appliance may move the teeth to improve your quality of life. There are multiple types of misalignments, and understanding some of these will help you self-diagnose. Here’s a guide to a few of the common kinds of irregular bites and how they may affect your life.

What Are the Most Common Types of Misalignments?

1. Overbite

An overbite exists when the top teeth overlap with the bottom rather than sitting on top of them. In some cases, this is due to genetics. However, it can also develop from having certain habits during early development, such as thumb-sucking. Overbites can affect your ability to speak clearly, sometimes leading to a lisp. 

2. Underbite

An underbite is the opposite of an overbite, in which the bottom teeth overlap with the top. This condition may also be caused by early childhood habits, such as pushing the teeth with the tongue or prolonged pacifier use. Without proper treatment from a dentist, this issue may impact your ability to properly eat and speak. It may also cause you to bite your cheeks, tongue, and gums more often.

3. Overcrowding

In some cases, your mouth may not be large enough to accommodate the size of your teeth. When this occurs, the teeth develop improperly, crowding over one another. This often occurs when you lose your baby teeth too early. Without intervention, overcrowding may contribute to jaw pain, gum disease, difficulty eating and speaking, and an increased risk of cavities. 

If you have misaligned teeth, Thomas J Munger III, DDS is here to assist. Located in Anchorage, AK, this dentist has over 43 years of experience treating a variety of dental conditions, from gum disease to cavities. They offer a range of orthodontic solutions to improve teeth alignment, including Fastbraces®. Visit their website to learn more about their orthodontic services or call (907) 345-3744 to schedule a free consultation with the dentists.