Orthodontic treatment is prescribed to correct a number of common problems. Many people may need orthodontic treatment to correct an “unsatisfactory bite” that has been caused by crowding teeth or extra teeth. Other people may need treatment to realign a jaw that is out of place due to genetics or due to an accident. Many people want to correct one or more crooked teeth caused by thumb-sucking, premature or late loss of baby teeth, or a wide variety of other causes.
Orthodontic treatment is an effective solution for crooked teeth and a jaw that is out of alignment. Upon completion of your treatment, your teeth will be straight and beautiful, improving your overall health and confidence.
How do I Know if I Need Orthodontics?
Only your dentist or orthodontist can determine whether you can benefit from orthodontics. Based on diagnostic tools that include a full medical and dental health history, a clinical exam, plaster models of your teeth, and special X-rays and photographs, an orthodontist or dentist can decide whether orthodontics are recommended, and develop a treatment plan that's right for you.
Who is a candidate for orthodontic treatment:
- Overbite where the upper front teeth lie too far forward (stick out) over the lower teeth
- Underbite a "bulldog" appearance where the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth too far back
- Spacing gaps, or spaces, between the teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not "fill up" the mouth
- Crowding when there are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate
- Crossbite when the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting together normally
- Open bite space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together
- Misplaced midline when the center of your upper front teeth does not line up with the center of your lower front teeth
