Misalignments are rarely just “crooked teeth”
A misalignment is often the visible sign of a deeper-lying faulty development of the jaw system. That is exactly why we look not only at appearance but at function – and can correct a great deal without extracting teeth.
Important: slightly crooked teeth are normal during growth. From a functional point of view, what counts is not appearance, but whether the development of the jaw system – and with it breathing, chewing and posture – is impaired.
Crowding (too little space)
How to recognise it: teeth overlap or are rotated because there is too little room in the jaw – often in the lower incisors.
The functional view: too little space often means a jaw that has developed too narrow. Instead of extracting permanent teeth, we guide growth so that space is created – this spares tooth structure and function.
Overbite / protruding incisors
How to recognise it: the upper incisors stick out clearly, and the lower jaw seems too far back.
The functional view: often the lower jaw sits back because growth could not unfold freely. Protruding teeth also break more easily in falls. During growth this can be influenced well through growth guidance.
Underbite
How to recognise it: the lower jaw juts forward – the lower incisors bite in front of the upper ones.
The functional view: it can become more pronounced with growth and strain chewing as well as the jaw joints. Early guidance is particularly effective here.
Crossbite
How to recognise it: when biting together, individual lower teeth overlap the upper ones; sometimes the lower jaw swerves to one side on closing.
The functional view: a sideways swerve steers growth off course and loads the jaw joints on one side – a classic case for early functional guidance.
Open bite
How to recognise it: when biting together, a gap remains at the front – the incisors do not touch. Often the result of thumb sucking, a dummy or tongue thrusting.
The functional view: this shows how strongly habits and mouth breathing shape the bite. Stopping the cause is often the most important step.
Deep bite
How to recognise it: when biting together, the upper incisors almost completely cover the lower ones.
The functional view: it can put lasting strain on tooth enamel, gums and the jaw joints – and restrict the function of the lower jaw.
Spacing & congenitally missing teeth
How to recognise it: noticeable gaps, or a permanent tooth is missing from birth.
The functional view: gaps in the mixed dentition are often normal. Missing or displaced teeth, however, need good planning – here too, if possible, without sacrificing healthy teeth.
Often the actual cause: mouth breathing, thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. They shape the bite from within – and are a central starting point of functional treatment.
Do you recognise something?
The CMD check for children asks about exactly these signs – together with physical complaints such as headaches or neck problems.