Did you know that in the US, there are 11,932 businesses in the Orthodontists industry?
Your orthodontist can help fine-tune your smile when it needs a bit of adjustment. If you’re embarrassed about your smile, or your teeth are a source of jaw aches, then you might need to consider orthodontic treatments. Your dentist can recommend the perfect plan for you.
There are many orthodontic treatments, and each can help a patient in the best way possible. In the end, the patient will have a beautiful smile.
If you’re concerned about some form of oral issue and want to know about common orthodontic issues, this is the article for you. Read on to learn more about common orthodontic problems and their solutions.
Overbite
An overbite is a misalignment of the teeth where the upper teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth. It’s a common orthodontic problem that can result in some problems, including pain and difficulty chewing. There are many orthodontic solutions to overbite, including braces, headgear, and jaw surgery.
The best way to determine which treatment is best is to see an orthodontist. You may visit Ello Orthodontics first to schedule a free consultation.
Braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment and can be very effective in correcting an overbite. Yet, they can be expensive and need a lot of upkeep.
Braces are metal brackets that orthodontists glued to the teeth and attached to each other with a wire. It then tightened the wire over time to verge clear the teeth into the correct position.
Underbite
An underbite is a type of malocclusion or misalignment of the teeth. The lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth, and the chin may jut forward. Genetic factors, bad habits such as thumb sucking, or injury to the teeth or jaw caused underbites.
Treatment for an underbite involves orthodontic braces or surgery. Sometimes, a combination of braces and surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.
For mild cases, orthodontists use braces to slowly move the teeth into the correct position. Sometimes, surgery may be necessary to correct an underbite. This type of surgery moves the upper jaw forward and the lower jaw backward to create a more balanced bite.
Crossbite
A crossbite is an orthodontic problem where the upper teeth bite on the inside of the lower teeth. This can cause many problems, including tooth wear, gum disease, and jaw pain.
There are solutions to crossbite, including braces, clear aligners, and jaw surgery. The most effective solution will depend on the severity of the crossbite and the age of the patient.
Clear aligners like Invisalign are a type of dental appliance that drifts teeth into their proper position. This treatment is effective for crossbites because it can attune the position of the teeth without the use of brackets or wires. This treatment is also affordable and you can complete it in a shorter time frame than traditional orthodontic treatments.
Open Bite
An open bite is a term used to describe a gap between the upper and lower teeth when the teeth are clenched because of incorrect swallowing, tongue thrusting, or genetics. This can also be a cosmetic issue, but can also lead to problems with chewing and speaking.
There are several orthodontic treatments that can correct an open bite. Braces are the most common treatment for an open bite. An orthodontic specialist may insert a metal plate on the roof of the mouth to aid in moving the top teeth.
Overjet
An overjet is a common orthodontic problem where the upper teeth extend too far over the lower teeth. It can cause many problems, including difficulty chewing and speaking, and an increased risk of tooth decay and injury. With treatment, they can correct many of these problems and reduce the risk of further complications.
There are a variety of orthodontic treatments used to correct overjet, including braces and headgear. In other cases, a simple retainer may be all that is necessary to keep the teeth from moving back into the incorrect position.
Orthodontists can also fix overjet with headgear by wearing it for a certain amount of time each day. This type of equipment applies pressure to the teeth and jaw, drifting it back into place. This treatment can be uncomfortable and take some getting used to, but it is usually very effective in correcting overbites.
Spacing
Spacing is caused by a variety of things, including missing teeth, tongue thrusting, or even pacifier use. Whatever the cause, there are treatments available to fix the problem.
For minor spacing issues, they use tooth bonding, or veneers to close the gaps. Veneers are thin, porcelain shells that are bonded to the front of the teeth, filling in the gaps and giving the teeth a more uniform appearance.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when there is not enough space in the mouth for all the teeth. The teeth can be pushed together (anterior crowding) or they can be pushed towards the back of the mouth (posterior crowding). This can cause by some factors, including genetics, an overcrowded jaw, or teeth that are too large for the mouth.
One solution is to extract one or more teeth. This creates more space in the mouth and allows the other teeth to be moved into their correct positions.
Another solution is to use a device called a palatal expander. This is a metal device that is placed on the roof of the mouth. It is gradually expanded over time, which creates more space in the mouth.
Consult With an Orthodontist for Your Orthodontic Treatments Today
Common orthodontic problems that can be treated are overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, overjet, spacing, and crowding. There are a variety of options available for orthodontic treatments, including braces, clear aligners, headgear, and veneers. For more severe problems, jaw surgery may be necessary.
By working with an experienced orthodontist, you can find the best treatment option for your individual needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help to achieve the straight, healthy smile that you deserve!
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