Orthodontics

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics specifically addresses concerns with the bony structures of your mouth, most notably your teeth and jaw.

Common Orthodontic Problems

Some of the most common problems faced by patients include the following:

• Crossbite:

  Crossbite occurs when your upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth, which may result in tooth stratification and a misaligned jaw bite.

• Crowding:

  When your mouth does not have enough room for your teeth crowding occurs. Although tooth removal may be required to fix this common problem, expansion may also be a sufficient solution.

• Midlines:

  A dental midline is the line between your two upper front teeth and your two lower front teeth. If these don’t line up, your back bite may not fit and match appropriately, leading to problems with the functioning of your teeth and jaw.

• Openbite:

  Patients have an openbite when their upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. This common problem can be caused by thumb sucking or continuously thrusting your tongue against your front teeth

• Overbite:

  If you have an overbite, your upper front teeth extend out over your lower front teeth, which can result in chewing or biting problems. Some overbites are so severe that the lower front teeth bite into the roof of the mouth.

• Protrusion:

  For patients with protruding teeth, their upper teeth hang too far forward, causing difficulties in jaw function and affecting their facial aesthetics. Protrusion also occurs when the lower teeth do not expand far enough forward.

• Spacing:

  Gaps between your teeth are a common problem that may be the result of missing teeth or normal growth and development. For some patients, uneven spacing is simply a cosmetic issue that they want to correct.

• Underbite:

  When you have an underbite, your lower jaw sticks out, and your lower front teeth sit inside your upper front teeth.

Early Orthodontic Treatment

An orthodontic exam can be beneficial at any age, but like most things in life, the earlier you start the process, the better. Early treatment in orthodontics basically refers to the “optimal time” for an initial orthodontics evaluation. According to the American Society of Orthodontics, this optimal time is no later than age 7, when the first adult molars begin to erupt. Although orthodontic treatment may not be necessary at this age, early vigilance can help anticipate future problems.

What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontics Treatment?

Not only can early evaluation provide timely detection of problems, but it can also enhance the chances of better, more effective treatment. We can use the information to guide the growth and development of our patients’ teeth. With early orthodontics treatment, we can do the following:

• Create room for crowded, erupting teeth
• Create facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
• Reduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• Preserve space for teeth that have yet to erupt
• Reduce the need to remove teeth
• Reduce treatment time with braces

Orthodontics for Kids & Teens

When you are a child, your teeth are constantly changing and growing, just like the rest of your body. With orthodontics for kids and teens, we can keep a better eye on the bones of your mouth – and the development of your smile. At Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics, we understand that gapped teeth or an overbite can wear on a child’s self-esteem. That’s why we strive to provide effective and affordable orthodontics options for kids and teens.

Braces

As the most common corrective tool for a child’s teeth, braces are also more affordable and effective than ever before. In addition, they come in a variety of colors, including silver and clear. Our child and teen orthodontics patients are pleased with the way braces have straightened their teeth, removed gaps, and improved jaw alignment. Please contact Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics today to discover how well braces can work for your child.

Teen Invisalign

An increasing number of teens are drawn to Invisalign, a unique dental system that uses a series of clear, plastic aligners to maneuver teeth into the proper position. In fact, there is a product called Invisalign Teen that is specially created for teenagers. We are pleased to offer teen Invisalign as part of our orthodontic services to the teenagers.

Orthodontics for Adults

Many adults may think they have no real options when it comes to making their teeth and smiles more attractive. At Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics, we are proving that’s simply not the case. Our staff works on a regular basis with adults who want to correct issues such as crooked teeth or bite problems. In fact, every year a larger number of our patients are adults of all ages.

Braces

Although brackets and wires are often associated with children and teens, braces are an effective dental tool for adults as well. At Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics, we work closely with our adult patients to thoroughly explain how braces can correct common dental problems such as overcrowded teeth, gapped teeth, and overbites. Our adult patients can choose from silver and clear braces, making their options even more diverse.

Adult Invisalign

Invisalign is a popular choice for our adult orthodontics patients because it is virtually invisible. This dental system uses clear, plastic aligners that are custom-created for each individual. Adult Invisalign patients use a series of these aligners to gradually move their teeth into the correct position. Besides the aesthetic value, Invisalign is often selected by adult patients because the aligners are removable, offering more convenience than traditional braces that are adhered to the teeth.

Adult Treatment

You are never too old to care about your teeth. The friendly, professional team at Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics is pleased to serve adults living and working in the area. Please contact our office today to set up a free consultation. We will be more than happy to discuss your adult orthodontics options.