Common Orthodontic Issues

What is it?

Overjet refers to a condition where the upper teeth extend forward and overlap the lower teeth. Its impact extends beyond mere aesthetics - an overjet can lead to challenges in activities like chewing, drinking, and biting. In some cases, it may even result in jaw discomfort or pain.

Treatment Options for Overjet

• Orthodontics Alone: When the overjet arises primarily from misaligned or improperly positioned teeth, orthodontic treatments such as braces or Invisalign often suffice.
• Orthodontics Plus Tooth Removal: In situations where overcrowding or insufficient space in the mouth worsens the overjet issue, a treatment approach involving tooth extraction may be necessary. Typically, this involves the removal of specific teeth, often the upper premolars, followed by the repositioning of the affected teeth to achieve a more favourable angle and alignment.
• Orthodontics Plus Tooth Replacement: If missing teeth contribute to the overjet problem, the treatment strategy will focus on expanding the gap left by the missing teeth and extending the lower jaw's arch to optimize the bite. This comprehensive approach combines orthodontic interventions with subsequent procedures like the placement of dental implants or bridges to replace the missing teeth and restore proper alignment.
• Orthodontics Plus Corrective Surgery: In cases where a substantial overjet results from an underdeveloped lower jaw, a more complex approach may be required. Orthodontic treatment collaborates with corrective jaw surgery to reposition the jaw and reduce the severity of the overjet. Please note: This approach is typically reserved for severe cases and necessitates a coordinated effort between an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to achieve optimal results.

What is it?

The classification of front teeth overlapping, whether in the upper or lower jaw, falls into two distinct categories: overbites and underbites. In both cases, there is an excessive extension of teeth beyond their corresponding counterparts used for biting. This situation can lead to difficulties in effectively biting or cutting into food.

Overbites and underbites represent distinct types of misaligned teeth, each necessitating unique treatment approaches. Overbites occur when the upper teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth when closing the jaw. On the other hand, underbites manifest when the lower teeth project farther outward than the upper teeth.

Treatment Options for Underbite

• Orthodontic Treatment: For mild to moderate underbites, orthodontic appliances like braces or clear aligners are effective treatment options. These devices work progressively to shift the teeth and jaw into their correct positions. In certain instances, orthodontists may incorporate rubber bands or other appliances to facilitate the adjustment of jaw positioning.
• Surgery: Severe underbites may necessitate surgical intervention. Orthognathic surgery is a procedure that entails the repositioning of either the upper or lower jaw to rectify the bite alignment. Typically, this surgical procedure is reserved for more severe cases and is conducted in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to ensure the harmonious alignment of both the teeth and jaws.

What is it?

The classification of front teeth overlapping, whether in the upper or lower jaw, falls into two distinct categories: overbites and underbites. In both cases, there is an excessive extension of teeth beyond their corresponding counterparts used for biting. This situation can lead to difficulties in effectively biting or cutting into food.

Overbites and underbites represent distinct types of misaligned teeth, each necessitating unique treatment approaches. Overbites occur when the upper teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth when closing the jaw

Treatment Options for Overbite

For Children:

• Growth Modification Devices or Palate Expanders: These devices are employed during growth spurts to reposition the jaw and enhance teeth alignment.
• Braces: Gradual realignment of all teeth, including correction of the overbite, is achieved through braces.
• Tooth Removal: In some cases, the removal of baby or permanent teeth creates space for the eruption of adult teeth, aiding in the correction.

For Adults:

• Clear Braces or Orthodontic Treatments: These focus on repositioning only the affected teeth contributing to the overbite, ultimately enhancing their alignment.
• Jaw Surgery: In severe cases involving underlying skeletal discrepancies, jaw surgery may be necessary to correct jaw alignment, which can contribute to overbites.
• Teeth Removal: Removing teeth can create additional space and improve overall bite alignment.

The choice of treatment hinges on the individual's age, the severity of the overbite, and the specific dental and skeletal factors involved. Consulting with an orthodontist is key to determining the most appropriate course of action for achieving an optimal bite and smile.

What is it?

Crowding represents a prevalent orthodontic concern arising when there isn't ample room within the jaw to accommodate all the teeth. Consequently, this condition results in teeth misalignment, overlap, and tooth rotation.

On the other hand, spacing refers to the presence of gaps or spaces between teeth. These spaces can manifest anywhere within the mouth and may stem from a range of underlying factors.

Treatment Options for Crowding:

The approach to treating crowding hinges on both the severity of the condition and the age of the patient. Here are a few of the available treatment options:

For Children:

• Palate Expanders: These devices are utilized during growth spurts to expand the jaw, creating more space for teeth.
• Extraction of Baby Teeth: Removing baby teeth can facilitate the proper eruption of adult teeth, alleviating crowding.
• Braces: The gradual repositioning of teeth into their correct alignment is achieved through braces.

For Adults:

• Braces or Clear Aligners (e.g. Invisalign): These treatments are used to progressively adjust the position of the teeth, correcting crowding issues.
• Extraction of Teeth: Tooth extraction may be necessary to create additional space and enhance overall bite alignment.
• Surgery: Reserved for severe cases with underlying skeletal issues contributing to crowding, orthognathic surgery aims to address these structural concerns.

The choice of treatment depends on the individual's age and the extent of crowding. Consulting with an orthodontist is essential to determine the most suitable approach for achieving proper teeth alignment and oral health.

What is it?

Spacing refers to the presence of gaps or spaces between teeth. These spaces can manifest anywhere within the mouth and may stem from a range of underlying factors.

Treatment Options for Spacing:

• Dental Implants: Dental professionals frequently recommend dental implants as a long-term solution for individuals with missing teeth, which can result in gaps. These gaps can lead to complications like bacterial infections, bone loss, and shifting of remaining teeth. Dental implants offer a durable and permanent means to fill these gaps, safeguarding oral health from further concerns associated with tooth loss.
• Braces: Orthodontic treatment, notably braces, stands as the tried-and-true method for correcting gaps and spaces between teeth. Its versatility allows for the resolution of alignment issues, spanning from mild to severe cases, ensuring a straighter and more harmonious smile.
• Dental Bonding: Dental bonding serves as a swift and uncomplicated solution for minor gaps, especially between front teeth, while also addressing aesthetic concerns. Dentists skillfully prepare the tooth surface and apply a tooth-colored bonding material, effectively concealing the gap and enhancing the appearance of the smile.
• Porcelain Veneers: These ultra-thin, tooth-shaped shells provide an efficient means to cover tooth surfaces and close small gaps between teeth. Porcelain veneers are a transformative option that can turn imperfect teeth into a beautifully even and well-proportioned smile in just a single visit.

The choice of treatment should be guided by the nature of the gaps, their size, and the overall dental condition. Consultation with an orthodontist is crucial to determine the most suitable approach for achieving a radiant and confident smile.

What is it?

A crossbite constitutes an improper alignment of teeth where the upper teeth fit within the lower teeth. This misalignment can encompass one tooth or clusters of teeth, encompassing the front or back teeth, or sometimes both. In the case of a posterior crossbite, the upper teeth are positioned inside the lower teeth, specifically impacting the back teeth.

Treatment Options for Crossbites:

The primary treatment approach for rectifying a posterior crossbite typically involves orthodontic treatment, employing specialized devices designed to exert pressure on both sides of the jaw, ultimately expanding the upper jaw.

• Fixed Devices: Examples include the quad-helix, Haas, or Hyrax expander. These devices are affixed to the teeth and are particularly effective for more pronounced crossbite cases. They can consistently and precisely apply pressure to widen the upper jaw, rendering them a reliable and well-established treatment method.
• Removable Devices: Devices like expansion plates are better suited for milder cases or younger patients. These appliances can be removed by patients themselves and are typically employed to support the development of the dental arch, encourage proper tooth eruption, and promote improved jaw function.

In certain situations, a combination of both fixed and removable devices may be employed to address the posterior crossbite, tailored to the specific requirements of the patient.

What is it?

An open bite is a dental condition defined by a noticeable gap between the biting surfaces of either the front or back teeth when the jaws are in a closed position. Simply put, the upper and lower teeth fail to make proper contact, resulting in an observable opening or space within the bite.

Treatment Options for Open Bites:

• Braces: Braces stand as one of the most effective methods for addressing an open bite. In this treatment, an orthodontist employs braces to guide the teeth into their correct alignment.
• Surgery: In instances of more severe open bites, surgical intervention might become a necessary step, often combined with orthodontic treatment. The specific surgical procedure employed depends on the underlying cause of the open bite. Collaboratively, the orthodontist and an oral surgeon will craft a tailored treatment plan that best suits the individual patient's needs and circumstances.