Orthodontics is an area of dentistry that specializes in treating patients with improper bites, crooked teeth and abnormal alignment of the teeth. No matter how old you are, orthodontics can help to rectify and straighten your bite. Most people are under the impression that braces or Invisalign® are solely for adolescents and teens. However, in reality, close to one-third of all orthodontic patients in the United States are adults.
Because a young person's bones are still relatively soft and their teeth move quite easily, it is preferable to start orthodontic treatment early in life. In fact, the American Dental Association suggests that children receive an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven. While the treatment might take a little longer, it is never too late to fix misaligned, crooked, or poorly spaced teeth. If you are an adult who would like to straighten or correct your smile, our team can help you achieve your goals in the shortest timeframe possible.
Common Orthodontic Problems
Because a young person's bones are still relatively soft and their teeth move quite easily, it is preferable to start orthodontic treatment early in life. In fact, the American Dental Association suggests that children receive an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven. While the treatment might take a little longer, it is never too late to fix misaligned, crooked, or poorly spaced teeth. If you are an adult who would like to straighten or correct your smile, our team can help you achieve your goals in the shortest timeframe possible.
Common Orthodontic Problems
One of the most common problems seen by orthodontists is a malocclusion or 'bad bite', which may be genetically caused, but can also be the result of thumb sucking, poor dental hygiene, poor nutrition, etc. In an ideal situation, your upper teeth should fit just outside of your lower ones, in much the same way as a lid fits on a box. Here are some of the specific problems that we see -
- Under and Over Bites: If either the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth or vice verse. An overbite can, and usually does, increase wear and tear of the front teeth.
- Open Bite: Is when upper and lower incisors do not meet when the mouth is closed. Not only is an open unattractive, but it can cause problems with speech, chewing and wear on the teeth that do meet.
- Widely Spaced, or Gaps Between the Teeth: This is strictly a cosmetic issue unless it is caused by missing teeth.
- Crowding: Occurs when teeth have insufficient room that causes some teeth to be either pushed back or forward which could cause some of your teeth to become more worn than others. Overcrowded teeth are less than attractive and difficult to clean, resulting in tooth decay. Additionally, some teeth will push either forward or backward, which makes them difficult to keep clean, also leading to decay.
Diagnosis and Treatment
On your first orthodontics visit, we will then review you dental records, physically examine your mouth, take impressions of your teeth so we can accurately evaluate what your problems are, and how best to treat them to achieve the results you are looking for.
We are board certified specialists and our staff is highly skilled, offering a wide spectrum of orthodontic solutions for children, teens and adults. We offer many state-of-the-art treatment options to straighten your teeth, including
- Aligners and braces to straighten your teeth
- Removal Of Teeth To Correct Overcrowding
- Re-shaping, Bonding, Or Capping Teeth
We will go over your treatment plan in detail with you, so you have a full understanding of all proposed procedures. Taking the first steps towards a perfect smile has never been easier than calling to schedule an appointment.
