Teeth!! - Darkforum.com - Dark Stories, Dark Art, Poetry, Photography, Debates and Discussions

BlyssfulStorm · **Teeth!! -** 04-24-04

so...what you got? i was staring at my mothers unnaturally straight teeth, and it got me wondering about other people's.

i have an overbite. it's weird, i can't see my bottom row of teeth unless i pull down my lip.

sixxx(sic)six · 04-24-04

i got nice teeth......i'm one of the lucky ones.....and actually take care of my teeth fairly well.....when i was younger, and my mom worked for a dentist, i would brush my teeth four to fives times a day......now, just twice (sometimes three or four) will do.....the only problem with my teeth is the discoloration that's starting to form, but that's because i smoke

AbstractEvil · 04-24-04

I don't understand the concept of an overbite or an underbite. I have pretty straight teeth apart from the two bottom fangy ones stick out a bit thats the only thing thats wrong with them.

Axantha · 04-24-04

spent 3 years in braces as a young teen. even got them lock with a girl's at one point

*SpaceGhost* · 04-24-04

Quote:

Overbite

Provided by A.D.A.M., Inc.
Definition

A dental condition involving misalignment of teeth.

Alternative Names
Crowded teeth; Misaligned teeth; Crossbite; Overbite

Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Malocclusion is the most common reason for referral to an orthodontist. Occlusion refers to the alignment of teeth and the way that the upper and lower teeth fit together (bite). Ideal occlusion occurs when all upper (maxillary) teeth fit slightly over the lower (mandibular) teeth. The points of the molars fit the grooves of the opposing molar. All teeth are aligned, straight, and spaced proportionally. The upper teeth keep the cheeks and lips from being bitten and the lower teeth protect the tongue.

Very few people have perfect occlusion. However, most occlusion abnormalities are so minor that they do not require treatment. Benefits of treatment of moderate or severe malocclusion include improved oral health and the cosmetic and psychological benefits of improved appearance. The teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay and periodontal diseases (gingivitis or periodontitis). Treatment eliminates strain on the teeth, jaws and muscles, which lessens the risk of breaking a tooth and reduces symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders.

Malocclusion is most often hereditary. There may be a disproportion between the size of the upper and lower jaws or between jaw and tooth size resulting in overcrowding of teeth or in abnormal bite patterns. Extra teeth, malformed teeth, impacted or lost teeth, and teeth that erupt in an abnormal direction may contribute to malocclusion. Variations in size or malformation of either jaw may affect its shape, as can birth defects such as cleft lip and palate.

During infancy, personal habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, pacifier use beyond the age of three and prolonged use of a bottle can greatly affect the shape of the jaws as well. The improper fit of dental restorations (fillings, crowns and so on) or appliances, retainers or braces, misalignment of jaw fractures after a severe injury, and tumors of the mouth or jaw may cause malocclusion as well.

Type 1 malocclusion is the most common. It occurs when the bite is normal but there are crowded or malpositioned teeth.

Type 2 malocclusion, called retrognathism or overbite, occurs when the upper jaw and teeth overlaps the bottom jaw and teeth.

Type 3 malocclusion, called prognathism or underbite, occurs when the lower jaw protrudes forward and the lower teeth extend over the upper teeth.

Symptoms

abnormal alignment of teeth
abnormal appearance of the face
difficulty or discomfort when biting or chewing
speech difficulties (rare) including lisp
breathing through the mouth without closing the lips

Signs and tests
Most malocclusion is discovered by the dentist on routine examination. Occlusion is checked by pulling the cheek outward and having the person bite down normally, which tests the alignment of the back teeth. The dentist usually refers the person to an orthodontist for diagnosis and treatment.

Dental X-rays, head/skull X-rays, or facial X-rays may be required. Impressions (plaster or plastic molds of the teeth) are often needed.

Treatment
The goal of treatment is to correct the positioning of the teeth.

Braces or other appliances may be used to change the positioning or alignment of teeth. Metal bands are placed around some teeth or metal, ceramic, or plastic bonds are attached to the surface of the teeth. Wires or springs apply force to the teeth. The alveolar bone (tooth sockets) responds to pressure by remodeling -- dissolving bone in front of the tooth and replacing bone behind the tooth. Other appliances may be recommended instead of, or in addition to, braces.

Extraction (removal) of one or more teeth may be required if overcrowding contributes to malocclusion. Rough or irregular teeth may be adjusted down, reshaped, and bonded or capped. Misshapen restorations (fillings or crowns) and dental appliances should be repaired. Surgery may be required on rare occasions. This may include surgical reshaping to lengthen or shorten the jaw (orthognathic surgery). Wires may be used to stabilize the jaw bone (similar to surgical stabilization of jaw fracture).

Meticulous oral hygiene is vital during orthodontic treatment as well as regular visits to the general dentist. Plaque accumulates on orthodontic appliances and may permanently mark teeth or cause tooth decay if not properly cared for.

Retainers (appliances used to stabilize the teeth) may be required for an indefinite time to maintain the new position of the teeth.

Expectations (prognosis)
Malocclusion is easier, quicker, and less expensive to treat when it is corrected early. Treatment is most successful in children and adolescents because their bone is still soft and teeth are moved more easily. Treatment may last 6 months to 2 or more years, depending on the severity of the case.

Treatment of orthodontic disorders in adults is often successful but may require prolonged use of braces or other devices.

Complications

tooth decay
discomfort during treatment
appliances may irritate the mouth and gums (causing gingivitis)
chewing and speaking may be difficult during treatment

Calling your health care provider
Call your orthodontist if toothache, mouth pain, or other new symptoms develop during orthodontic treatment.

Prevention
Many types of malocclusion are not preventable. Control of habits (such as thumb sucking) may be necessary in some cases. However, early detection and treatment may optimize the time and method of treatment needed.

Last Reviewed: 11/28/2001 by Jennifer A. Schwartz, D.M.D., General Dentist, University of Pennsylvania Dental Care Network, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed HealthCare Network.

I have an minor overbite, My mom has one too.Our teeth are straight-looking to the naked eye,but I guess they're just too big or something.Big teeth run in my family.I brush three times a day!

Now I have a question for all you:

Do you care about teeth on potential mates alot? As in,teeth are a vital characteristic for your gf,bf,husband,wife?

I myself have dated girls with overbites,and I have an overbite.I dont really care though, I mean.As long as you brush and floss regulary,you should be okay.

LivingShadow · 04-24-04

meh, i have straight teeth with a slight overbite

;c)

Arkantis · 04-24-04

I am in braces, so they will be straight, so I voted that, seemed logical.

xiaphon · 04-24-04

I supposedly have perfect teeth..so yeah..straight

Tozzy · 04-24-04

mine are fucked.

i had a superneumarie (spell?) removed from my top gum just above my front teeth when i was little and had several removed as they came through bad when were milk teeth, and i also had to have loads and loads of braces to move teeth into place and let ones come down properly and had loads removed and shit....

i have had at least ten removed, have had 14 or 15 plate braces, loads of train tracks and several retainers.

my bottom front teeth and my top front teeth still cross over a little

One · 04-24-04

that sucks Tozzy. Braces suck, i hated em.

yeah anyways, strait, cause i had braces when i was like uhh, dont remember it was a long time ago.

Wicked Lady · 04-24-04

I have perfectly straight teeth. I had braces for about 16 months. I'll take a pic when I get home.

pseudogoth dash · 04-24-04

I had a huge overbite. I could actually stick my thumb between my teeth, that's how big the gap was. To correct it I had braces for two years, then an operation where they break your lower jaw, move it forward and put a titanium plate behind it to stop it moving back. I then had braces for another year.

The whole process sucked almightily but I now have the sort of teeth that would do a news-anchor proud.

*SpaceGhost* · 04-24-04

Im actually considering those invisable braces for my overbite! I went to a consoltation at the dentist,and he said I had to give him 3500 dollars to do it.

[ I want them for free,goddammit.

Icey_Blueyez · 04-24-04

my are nice and straight!

Barely Breathing · 04-24-04

Two years of braces and my teeth better be straight biotch. I had to get them because my teeth didn't match up in the back, or they wanted my parents money.

Arkantis · 04-24-04

Isnt an underbite just the opposite of an overbite, but who says that the underbite inst an overbite, how come I wasnt around when these decisions were made.

Barely Breathing · 04-24-04

you were sleeping

Arkantis · 04-24-04

Now I know who has been standing outside of my window.

Legolas · 04-24-04

I hate my teeth, I'm going to say they are straight with the exception of one tooth, which was hit and not is further behind the others... I hate it so much... this reminds me, I've got to go to the dentist, so he can fix that...

Number one reason I don't show my teeth in pictures

ghettocowboy · 04-24-04

mine are all fucked up....my top two front ones have an overbite....but the two on the other sides are behind the bottom row of teeth....makes it impossible to grind them.