Orthodontic treatment is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Whether for cosmetic reasons or health benefits, orthodontic treatment can dramatically improve your smile, oral function, and overall health and well-being. The key to success is working closely with our team to determine the best approach for your specific needs and lifestyle. With the right orthodontic treatment, you can enjoy a healthier, more confident smile for years to come.
In addition to clear aligners, Advanced Laser and Cosmetic Dentistry offers traditional bracketed braces for children and adults. Traditional braces can be used for a full range of orthodontic concerns, including malocclusions. Using bracketed braces, our team can help patients of all ages address dental concerns that go beyond aesthetics, often affecting overall oral health and the comfort of the bite.
Orthodontics & Bite Correction
The goal of orthodontics is to improve tooth position and the function or fit of the bite. Proper bite alignment helps with effective chewing, speaking, and oral health.
Bite correction refers to the process of fixing misalignments between the upper and lower teeth, improving both their function and appearance. An improper bite—whether an overbite, underbite, or crossbite—can cause a variety of problems, such as difficulty chewing, speaking, or cleaning your teeth properly. In severe cases, bite issues may also lead to jaw pain or headaches.
Types of Bite Issues
- Overbite: This occurs when the upper front teeth overlap too much with the lower front teeth.
- Underbite: An underbite is when the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth.
- Crossbite: A crossbite occurs when one or more upper teeth bite on the inside of the lower teeth.
- Open Bite: This happens when there is a gap between the upper and lower teeth, even when the back teeth are together.
Our dental care team works with patients of every age to address bite problems that are impacting their dental health. Left untreated, bite issues can lead to tooth damage, TMJ disorders, and other complex dental problems. We begin screening your patients at around 7 years of age to look for potential bite problems that should be addressed during a child’s growth and development.
Treating Bite Problems
Bite problems can be addressed with a range of treatments, depending on the severity of the issue. Braces are the first line of treatment and can be used for all types of malocclusions. Our dental care team will evaluate your bite problem and recommend treatment, sometimes in phases, for younger patients. For more severe problems, an orthodontic appliance may be a part of your overall treatment. These appliances can often be used to help a child avoid jaw surgery. Addressing a structural bite problem early is the key to creating a more stable oral foundation for continued development.
Palate expanders are an important orthodontic appliance and can be used in children and teens to widen the upper jaw (palate) to create more space for the teeth and improve overall dental alignment. Once the expander is in place, the process of widening the palate begins. The expansion is typically done gradually over several weeks. The patient or dentist will adjust the screw mechanism (usually by turning it) once or twice a day, which applies gentle pressure to the palate.
Each time the screw is turned:
- The bones of the palate start to separate: The screw gradually pushes the two halves of the upper jaw (palatine bones) apart.
- The sutures (joints) in the roof of the mouth begin to open. In young patients, the palatal sutures are flexible and can be manipulated to create more space in the upper jaw.
The rate of expansion depends on the patient’s age and the amount of space needed, but typically, it is performed over a period of 4-6 weeks. The process is slow and incremental to prevent sudden or uncomfortable shifts.
After the initial expansion phase, the palate will need some time to stabilize. The bones in the upper jaw will fill in and grow together in the new, wider position. This phase usually lasts several months. During this time, the expander stays in place to maintain the new width of the upper jaw while the bones heal.
Once the desired width has been achieved and the bones have fused in their new position, the expander is removed. This typically happens after 3-6 months, but it can vary depending on the individual case.