Orthodontics goes beyond straightening teeth; it can also enhance your facial harmony.
Our general dentists are here to help you achieve the smile you’ve always desired. While most people associate orthodontics with braces for correcting children and teenagers’ crooked teeth, our Doctors specialize in treating a wide range of conditions in individuals of all ages. From overbites to underbites, we offer solutions that include both removable braces and “fixed braces” or clear materials like Invisalign. Malocclusions, commonly known as “bad bites,” can be either inherited or acquired.
Acquired malocclusions can result from:
Trauma (including prolonged thumb, finger, or pacifier sucking)
Mouth breathing (due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids, blocked nasal passages, etc.)
Premature loss of baby or adult teeth
Whether inherited or acquired, these issues can affect not only tooth alignment but also facial development and appearance.
While a poor bite may not directly cause tooth decay or periodontal disease, it can make proper brushing and flossing challenging, increasing the risk of dental problems.
Although a significant portion of the population has some form of malocclusion, not everyone requires or seeks orthodontic treatment. For instance, approximately 65% of adults develop crowded, crooked lower front teeth with or without a history of orthodontic treatment. This is a natural result of changes over time and doesn’t necessarily warrant orthodontic intervention.
Indications for Orthodontics
If you or your child experience any of the following symptoms, consult your general or pediatric dentist to assess whether a poor bite may be the cause:
Permanent teeth erupting out of their normal position
Cheek or roof of the mouth biting issues
Difficulty chewing or aligning teeth
Facial muscle or jaw pain, or speech difficulties
Early Treatment
Early interceptive orthodontic treatment typically begins before the eruption of permanent teeth or when few permanent teeth are present. The goal is to guide the growth of the upper and/or lower jaw to create sufficient space for all permanent teeth to emerge. We recommend evaluating children around the age of seven to identify potential bone (orthopedic) or tooth (orthodontic) issues.
If a patient has issues like a narrow upper jaw or an underdeveloped lower jaw, special appliances known as functional jaw orthopedic appliances can correct them. Minor tooth crowding can also be addressed early if it appears likely to disrupt the eruption of other permanent teeth.
Remember, it’s more cost-effective to correct issues when the patient is younger rather than waiting for them to worsen over time. Contact us today to schedule a screening appointment.