Why do you need orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment creates a healthier smile and a more stable bite that sets you up for a lifetime of better oral health. Malocclusions, or bad bites, can make it more difficult to properly clean your teeth, making cavities and gum disease more likely. Orthodontic treatment can also improve your speech, ability to chew and bite properly, and self-esteem.
Your smile says a lot about you. If you’re always hiding yours because you don’t like it, you’re hiding a big part of yourself.
At Feinstein 360 Orthodontics, we focus on creating beautiful, stable bites that can lead to a lifetime of good oral health and confidence.
Common Orthodontic Issues
Crowded Teeth
Crowding occurs when there isn’t enough room in the mouth for all of the teeth to properly fit. This is due to an insufficient jaw that causes the teeth to grow in crooked, crowded, or overlapping. Braces or Invisalign can be used to correct crowding, depending on the severity of your case.
Spacing of Teeth
If you have improper spacing between your teeth, it is often due to the size of the jaw in relation to the size of the teeth. If teeth are much smaller in proportion to the jaw, there will be spaces between the teeth as they erupt. Braces or Invisalign may be used to correct improper spacing.
Open Bite
This refers to when the upper teeth and lower teeth protrude out, resulting in misalignment when the jaw is closed. The top and bottom front teeth do not meet. This can sometimes occur due to thumbsucking or pacifier use. Braces or Invisalign may be used to correct an open bite. Depending on your case, an appliance called a tongue crib may also be given to prevent thumb sucking or pacifier use. If the patient is younger and requires widening of the palate, a palatal expander may also be used.
Overbite
This malocclusion is characterized by the upper jaw overlapping the lower jaw too much. It can be caused by genetics, or by habits, such as thumb sucking and pacifier use. We can correct overbites with growth modification, braces, or Invisalign. In some cases, surgery may be required if the condition has been left untreated past the age the jaw continues to grow.
Underbite
This is the opposite of an overbite. In this case, the lower jaw overlaps the upper jaw. This is often simply a genetic issue. Growth modification appliances can be used if the jaw is still growing to correct the growth prior to braces or Invisalign. As with an overbite, if the condition has been left for too long, surgery may be required.
Overjet
This is sometimes referred to as “buck teeth” and is characterized by the top teeth protruding over the lower teeth. An underdeveloped jaw is often the cause. Growth modification appliances, paired with braces or Invisalign, can correct the growth of the jaw.
Missing Teeth
Some patients’ genetics can lead to missing lateral incisors. For a patient with missing teeth, braces or Invisalign can be used to guide the teeth to proper alignment.
Have a question about orthodontic issues? We’re here to help! We want you to feel as comfortable as possible and have all the information you need about your orthodontic treatment. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime – we’re always here to listen and answer. At Feinstein 360 Orthodontics, our patients are our priority.
