TREATMENT INFORMATION
Orthodontic Disorders
Common Orthodontic Corrections in Adults and Children
Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry focused on the diagnosis and treatment of dental and associated facial irregularities. The results of orthodontic treatment can be dramatic — beautiful smiles, improved dental health and an enhanced quality of life for many people of all ages. Orthodontic problems, which can result from genetic and environmental factors, must be diagnosed before treatment begins. Proper diagnosis involves taking photographs, x-rays, and dental impressions, which enable our practice to make informative decisions about the form of treatment necessary.
Treatment typically lasts from 6 to 30 months, depending on age and the severity of the orthodontic problem. Outstanding results are also dependent on maximizing the coordination of care between you and our practice. We are committed to delivering the best possible service in order for you to achieve your orthodontic objectives.
Classification of Teeth Overview
For a brief overview of the classification of teeth, please click on the image below. It will launch our flash educational module in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about the classifications of teeth.
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Treatment Timing
Dr. Caraway provides orthodontic treatment for adults, adolescents and children. We follow the guidelines established by the American Association of Orthodontists by recommending that an orthodontic evaluation take place at age 7 for all children. This early evaluation can help to determine the best time to begin any necessary treatment.
Many progressive treatments are now available for patients 7 to 11 years of age, that provide significant benefits, especially when jaw irregularities are present. These treatments may also prevent certain conditions from worsening. Treating children with these types of problems during their growth stages allows our practice to achieve results that may not be possible when face and jaw bones have fully developed. This early treatment can simplify or eliminate additional treatment for the child.
Crossbite
Crossbite can occur in the front and/or the sides of the mouth. One or more upper teeth bite on the inside of the lower teeth. This can occur with a single tooth or multiple teeth. Early correction of crossbite is recommended.
Crossbite should be corrected because it can:
- Cause premature wear of the teeth
- Cause gum disease including bone loss
- Cause asymmetrical development of the jaws
- Cause dysfunctional chewing patterns
- Make your smile less attractive
How can a crossbite be orthodontically corrected?
If there is a single tooth crossbite, the tooth can be moved with braces into the correct position. In some cases, a retainer can be utilized. With multiple teeth in crossbite, the arch needs to be expanded with braces or other intra-oral appliances.
Openbite
Openbite is an insufficient vertical overlap of the teeth. It is caused by oral habits such as tongue thrust, digit sucking or when the jaws don't grow evenly. Timing of treatment is critical to the overall success of the therapy.
How can an openbite be orthodontically corrected?
Openbite can be corrected through growth modification of the jaws using braces, extrusion of the front and anterior teeth and in some cases surgical correction of the jaws. Also breaking oral habits, such as digit sucking, will facilitate the correction of an openbite.
Overbite
Class II Overbite
Overbite occurs when the upper front teeth protrude over the lower front teeth. Generally there is no contact between the upper and lower front teeth. Often you cannot see the lower incisors. Overbite is due to a disproportionate amount of eruption of front teeth or over development of the bone that supports the teeth and a front to back discrepancy in the growth of the upper or lower jaw (Class II Relationship). Overbite is also known as a deep bite. Overbite should be corrected because it can:
- Cause improper functioning of your front teeth
- Result in the lower front teeth biting into the gum tissue of the upper palate leading to tissue problems.
- Unusual wear of the lower front teeth
- Cause jaw or joint problems
- Make your smile less attractive
How can an overbite be orthodontically corrected?
Overbite can be corrected through moving the front teeth up and/or bringing the back teeth together, which will "open" the bite so the teeth are properly aligned and the deep bite is eliminated.
Overjet
Class II Overjet
Overjet is also known as protrusion. In this case, the lower teeth are too far behind the upper front teeth. This can be caused by an improper alignment of the molars (Class II Relationship), a skeletal imbalance of the upper and lower jaw; flared upper incisors, missing lower teeth or a combination of all the above. In addition, oral habits such as thumb sucking, finger sucking or tongue thrusting can exacerbate the condition.
Overjet should be corrected because it can:
- Prevent proper functioning of the front teeth
- Lead to premature wear
- Make your smile less attractive
How can overjet be orthodontically corrected?
Overjet can be corrected through growth modification using a functional appliance and/or elastics to reduce the skeletal imbalance or extraction of teeth.
Underbite
Class III Underbite
The lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. An underbite is usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or a combination of the two (Class III Relationship). Underbite can also be caused by flared lower incisors, missing upper teeth, or a combination of all the above. Early correction of underbite is recommended.
Underbite should be corrected because it can:
- Prevent proper functioning of the front teeth or molars which can lead to premature wear of the teeth
- Cause chewing or eating problems
- Cause jaw or joint problems
- Make your smile less attractive
How can an underbite be orthodontically corrected?
Underbite can be corrected through growth modification of the jaws, extraction of teeth and in some cases, surgical correction of the jaws.