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 definitions of treatments
Orthodontics is the area of dentistry which focuses on a proper balance between your teeth and the surrounding facial structures. In simpler words, orthodontics focuses on straightening teeth.
By examining the mouth an Orthodontist can identify the proper placement for teeth. If teeth are coming in uneven or in a pattern not optimal for your mouth, a corrective appliance may be recommended.
The most common treatment is braces. Braces along with wires, elastics and headgear help to guide your teeth into their proper position.
 Braces
There are two main components of braces: brackets, which are bonded directly to the tooth and arch wires that connect the brackets. Despite what most people think; it is the arch wire that actually moves the teeth. The brackets serve only as "handles." The arch wire is the pressure that moves the teeth into their proper position.
Removable Appliance
Removable appliances may be used to move selected teeth, hold selected teeth in place, influence growth of the jaws, and to influence tooth eruption.
They are often used in conjunction with fixed appliances. Removable appliances cannot be used to treat all orthodontic problems.
It takes skill and experience to recognize conditions that can be successfully treated with removable appliances. Because the patient can easily remove the appliance, good compliance is required to achieve the desired outcome.
Fixed Appliance
These appliances are glued in so children are unable to easily remove them. They are used to expand the upper jaw to allow more room for permanent teeth or to correct a crossbite. They can also be used to hold teeth in place and save room in the mouth for proper eruption of permanent teeth. Some fixed appliances can help children stop sucking their fingers or help retrain a tongue thrust.
Orthodontic Conditions
 Crossbites
Openbite
Overbite
Underbite
Crossbites
One or more of the upper teeth biting on the inside of the lower teeth characterizes a crossbite. Crossbite can occur in the front and/or the sides of the mouth. Early correction of crossbites is recommended.
Crossbites should be corrected because they can:
1. Cause premature wear of the teeth,
2. Cause gum disease including bone loss,
3. Cause asymmetrical development of the jaws, and
4. Cause dysfunctional chewing patterns.
Crossbite can be corrected through several ways including braces, a retainer, or a palate expander if multiple teeth are in crossbite.
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Openbite
An inadequate vertical overlap of the front teeth characterizes an openbite. It is caused by oral habits such as tongue thrust, finger sucking, or when the jaws don't grow evenly. Timing of treatment is critical to the overall success of the therapy.
Openbite can be corrected through growth modification of the jaw using braces. Openbite should be corrected because it can:
1. Cause premature wear of the back teeth,
2. Cause dysfunctional chewing patterns, and
3. Be related to jaw joint dysfunction (TMJ).
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Overbite
Overbite occurs when the upper front teeth protrude over the lower front teeth. Excessive overbite may be caused by a disproportionate amount of eruption of front teeth, or over development of the bone that supports the teeth. Excessive overbite is commonly seen in conjunction with a Class II relationship (see below). Overbite is also known as a deep bite.
Overbite should be corrected because it can:
1. Cause improper functioning of your front teeth,
2. Can cause periodontal problems as a result of the lower front teeth biting into the gum tissue,
3. Cause unusual wear of the lower front teeth, and
4. Cause jaw or joint problems.
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Underbite
The lower teeth protruding in front of the upper teeth characterize an underbite. An underbite is usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or a combination of the two.
Underbite can also be caused by tipped back upper incisors, flared lower incisors, missing upper teeth or a combination of all the above. Early correction of underbite is recommended.
Underbite can be corrected through growth modification of the jaws, extraction of teeth, or through surgical correction of the jaws.
Underbite should be corrected because it can:
1. Prevent proper functioning of the front teeth or molars resulting in premature wear of teeth,
2. Cause chewing or eating problems, and
3. Be related to jaw joint dysfunction (TMJ).
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The results of orthodontic treatment can be dramatic ó beautiful smiles, improved dental health and an enhanced quality of life for people of all ages. Orthodontic problems must be diagnosed before treatment begins. Proper diagnosis involves careful study of photographs, x-rays, and dental impressions. Treatment typically lasts from 6 to 36 months, depending on age, and the severity of the orthodontic problem.
The most well-known form of Orthodontic treatment is Braces.
Headgear
Orthodontic headgear is a very important part of the treatment for some patients. Headgear creates forces that guide the growth of the face and jaws. It also is used to move teeth into better positions or to prevent teeth from moving.
Always be careful when removing your headgear. If the headgear is removed carelessly, the part that fits in your mouth and attaches to your teeth could injure your lips, cheeks, face or eyes. Following these basic rules will help assure safe handling:
1. Never remove the headgear until the straps have been disconnected,
2. Never lift the headgear over your face, and
3. Never wear the headgear when running or playing sports.
Impacted Teeth
Missing Teeth
Crowding of the Teeth
Spacing of the Teeth
Impacted Teeth
An impacted tooth is one that has failed to erupt normally into the mouth and remains partially or totally covered by the gums and/or bone. Impacted teeth can be caused by improper position of the developing tooth bud early loss of primary teeth and crowding.
Wisdom teeth are the most commonly impacted teeth, but canines and premolars are also commonly impacted.
Your orthodontist can correct your child's impacted teeth by exposing the tooth and moving it into the correct position
Correction of impacted teeth often involves a minor surgical procedure performed by an oral surgeon working closely with our practice. This will allow us to guide the impacted tooth into the proper position.
This problem should be corrected because it can:
1. Cause damage to the root structure of adjacent teeth,
2. Interfere with the sinus cavity,
3. Leave unwanted spaces,
4. Lead to improper functioning of the teeth, and
5. Cause asymmetric alignment of the teeth.
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Missing Teeth
Missing teeth is the absence of a tooth or teeth due to trauma, dental extractions, or a lack of development. Depending upon the situation, the space can be closed with braces or opened for tooth replacement. A bridge or dental implant is used to replace the missing tooth if a space is created.
This problem should be corrected because it can:
1. Cause improper functioning of teeth,
2. Cause collapsing of the bite,
3. Cause premature wear of teeth,
4. Cause drifting of teeth, and
5. Cause asymmetric alignment of the teeth.
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Crowding of the Teeth
Crowding is the lack of space for all the teeth to fit normally within the jaws. The teeth may be rotated or displaced. Crowding occurs when there is disharmony in the tooth to jaw size relationship, or when the teeth are larger than the available space. Crowding can be caused by early or late loss of primary teeth, improper eruption of teeth or a genetic imbalance between jaw and tooth size.
Crowding should be corrected because it:
1. Can prevent proper cleaning of all the surfaces of your teeth,
2. Cause dental decay, and
3. Increase the chances of gum disease. An orthodontist can create extra space by expansion of the arches or extraction of teeth. Once space is created, braces are used to align the teeth.
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Spacing of the Teeth
Spacing, the opposite of crowding, is an excess of available space resulting in gaps between the teeth. This generally occurs when the teeth are smaller than the available space. Protrusive teeth, missing or impacted teeth or abnormal gum tissue attachments can also cause spacing.
Spacing should be corrected because it can:
1. Result in gum problems, and
2. Prevent proper functioning of the teeth, and makes your smile less attractive.
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