Orthodontics

Tedi Dent is growing our capability in the field of Orthodontics.  In addition to our expertise, we have contacts with several excellent orthodonitc specialists for advanced cases.

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialty field of dentistry that diagnoses, prevents and treats irregularities of the teeth and face. Treatment can correct an irregular or "bad" bite, also known as a malocclusion. Orthodontic care involves the use of corrective appliances, usually braces. These devices can be used to:

  • Straighten teeth
  • Correct an irregular bite
  • Close unsightly gaps
  • Bring teeth and lips into proper alignment

They also can help with procedures in other areas of dentistry.  Examples include cosmetic and implant dentistry.  In young children, orthodontic treatment also may guide proper jaw growth and permanent tooth eruption.

Bite Irregularities

Many people's teeth are irregular in some way. For example, teeth may be slightly crowded or unevenly spaced. In fact, experts say many adults have an irregular bite. Sometimes the main problem with a "bad" bite is appearance. In other cases, it can cause difficulty in chewing or talking.  You may have inherited an irregular bite, but not all bite problems are genetic. Other causes include:

  • Trauma — When teeth are broken or knocked out and then replaced, they may fuse with the bone that surrounds them. This is called ankylosis or abnormal root fusion to the bone. If this happens in a growing child, the teeth will not be able to line up properly in the jaw. An irregular bite will result.

  • Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use — These habits can cause bite problems. For example, it may cause your upper teeth to protrude (extend) in front of your lower teeth. A tongue-thrusting habit when you swallow can cause a similar problem.

  • Premature loss of primary (baby) teeth — If a primary (baby) tooth is lost too early, the permanent tooth loses its guide. It can drift or come into the mouth (erupt) incorrectly. In some cases, the permanent teeth may be crowded, or they may come in only partially. Sometimes the teeth next to the lost primary tooth can move or tilt into the space left by the missing tooth. This may prevent the permanent tooth from coming in.

An improper bite doesn't look good. That is the usual reason that people seek treatment from an orthodontist. In addition, an improper bite causes difficulty in chewing. In people with crowded teeth, it can lead to more cavities or gum disease. Treatment of an irregular bite can improve your overall oral health and stabilize your bite.  Incorrect bites are grouped into categories.  Common bite problems include:

  • Crossbite — Here, the upper teeth rest significantly inside or outside the lower teeth. A crossbite often can make it difficult to bite or chew.
  • Crowding — Permanent teeth may not have room to move into the right position and there is not enough space for the teeth.
  • If the teeth are unusually large compared with the size of the dental arch
  • If the jaw is narrower than it should be
  • Deep overbite — This occurs when the upper front teeth (incisors) overlap too far over the lower teeth. In some cases, the biting edges of the upper teeth touch the lower front gum tissue and the lower front teeth may bite into the roof of the mouth.
  • Underbite — A crossbite of the front teeth is commonly referred to as an underbite if the lower teeth are ahead of the upper teeth.
  • Open bite — If your upper and lower front teeth don't meet when you bite down, this is called an open bite. Because the front teeth don't share equally in the biting force, the back teeth may receive too much pressure. This makes chewing less efficient. It can lead to premature wear of the back teeth.
  • Spacing problems — Some people have missing teeth or unusually small teeth in a normal sized jaw. This can result in large spaces between the teeth. People who have lost one or multiple teeth may have uneven spacing because adjacent teeth may drift into the unoccupied areas

Tedi Dent can help you understand how orthodontics may help you or a member of your family.  Please contact us to make an appointment to discuss this option.