Info Oral Hygiene

Overbite

The correction of an overbite can be done at any age, but usually orthodontic treatment is used in children in the 10-14 age group. As more and more corrective options become available, such as Invisalign® removable clear aligners, more people are electing to get their overbites corrected. Beyond the benefits of having a more beautiful smile, overbite treatment can offer better chewing, clearer speech, and fewer stress-related pains and jaw joint wear.

Crossbite

A crossbite may cause a patient to move their lower jaw forward or to the side when biting. Most often, people seek orthodontic treatment for a crossbite because of chewing and biting difficulties. Because a crossbite involves dental and structural (jaw) structure, it is important to treat this condition as early as possible.

A developing crossbite or a family history of crossbites is a good reason to schedule a pediatric orthodontist evaluation for your children around age 7. Early crossbite treatment is more effective, less expensive, and less invasive than orthognathic jaw surgery that is usually required for crossbite correction in adults.

Crowding

When crowded teeth treatment needs are detected early in childhood, when baby teeth are still present, then braces or a functional appliance such as a palate expander can be placed. The pediatric braces act as a spacer, holding back the rest of the molars until the baby teeth fall out. This is one of the reasons that pediatric orthodontist evaluation is a good idea for all children at age 7, especially if the family has a history of crowded teeth.

If treatment is applied in adolescents or adults, expanders and braces are normally recommended. Retainers are used following crowded teeth treatment in order to avoid any chance of relapse.

Spacing

While these celebrities were successful in their art and sport endeavors, with or without diastema braces or other teeth spacing treatment, not everyone is as confident with the uniqueness that tooth spacing presents. Many adolescents and adults opt for teeth spacing treatment to improve their aesthetic appearance. But problems with gaps between teeth goes beyond aesthetics in many cases. Teeth gaps can result in an increased chance of developing periodontal (gum) disease, as the gums are not protected enough by teeth. In addition, improper spacing can prevent proper functioning of the teeth.

Orthodontic treatment for diastema or other teeth spacing issues can be used to move the teeth together and properly align them within the dental arch form. Today’s technology offers a choice of orthodontic appliances to correct many orthodontic problems including diastema braces . Dr. Bright works personally with each patient to evaluate their condition and determine the most effective treatment.

Protrusion

Treatment for this protruding teeth may include braces and other orthodontic appliances, such as spacers. Depending on the severity of the protrusion and the age of the patient, orthognathic (jaw)surgery may be required.

The key to successful, less costly protruded teeth correction is early treatment. Protrusion, if left untreated, can cause problems in speech, poor oral hygiene, and loss of dental function. If your family has a history of protruding teeth or perhaps you have a child who had problems giving up thumb-sucking or the pacifier, enroll your child in our Bright Beginnings program for early pediatric orthodontist evaluation. This program is for children around age 7.

Openbite

It is of urgent importance to have this orthodontic issue addressed as soon as possible. Delaying treatment could result in poor speech and an unattractive smile.

A developing open bite or a family history of open bites is an excellent reason to schedule pediatric orthodontist evaluation for your children around age 7. Early open bite treatment can be more effective, less costly, and less painful than jaw surgery that is usually required for open bite correction in adults.

Gummy Smile

This condition can be corrected by a variety of treatment modalities depending on the individual diagnosis. Excess gingival display is not limited to removal of gingival tissue or orthognathic surgery. A variety of orthodontic treatments can be used depending on the causes of a particular patent’s gummy smile:

• Tooth size or shape
• Jaw deformities
• Lip shape or size
• Delayed eruption
• Facial muscles

Excessive gingival display must be evaluated on an individual basis in order to recommend the most appropriate treatment. Call our office today to discuss your best options.