Orthodontics
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Orthodontics
is a form of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention
and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Technically
speaking, these problems are classified as "malocclusion," meaning "bad
bite."Our doctors are skilled in the design, application and control of
corrective appliances, functional orthopedic appliances and braces, to
bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and to achieve facial
balance.
Most people associate orthodontics
with the application of braces to correct crooked teeth in children.
Our doctors, however, treat a wide variety of
conditions in people of
all ages. |
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Acquired
malocclusions can be caused by accidents (called "trauma"), sucking of
the thumb, finger or pacifiers, tonsils and adenoids that obstruct the
airway, and disease or premature loss of primary or permanent teeth.
Inherited malocclusions that determined how well your teeth fit
together are largely determined by such attributes as tooth and jaw
size. For example, people can inherit large teeth and small dental
arches, or the reverse. A "poor bite" is often caused by teeth that
have too much or too little room in the jaw. Other common causes of
crooked teeth are factors that move the teeth out of place, including
oral habits and early tooth loss, which leads to tooth shifting.
Regardless of whether malocclusions are inherited or acquired, many of
these problems affect not only alignment of the teeth but also facial
development and appearance as well.
Most cases of malocclusions are mild, or cosmetic, in nature; for
example, a poor bite does not cause severe impediments to talking or
eating. In some people, however, the condition is so severe that they
cannot eat or speak properly.
A poor bite does not ordinarily cause tooth decay, periodontal disease,
or temporomandibular (TM) disorder. It may, however, make it difficult
to properly care for one's teeth. |
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Symptoms that trigger orthodontics
If you or your child have any of the following symptoms, have your
general or pediatric dentist evaluate whether a poor bite may be
responsible:
- Difficulty chewing due to tooth pain or difficulty aligning teeth;
- Facial muscle or jaw pain;
- Permanent teeth coming in (erupting) out of their normal position;
- Problems with biting the cheek or roof of the mouth; or
- Speech difficulties.
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Orthodontic
treatment can be beneficial at any age
and therefore more adults are proceeding with orthodontic treatment
today in an effort to achieve straight teeth, a beautiful smile and
healthy jaw joints.
No
two smiles are alike, and therefore no two orthodontic treatment
programs are either. Typically, active treatment times range from 6
months to two years and vary with the degree of tooth movement and the
severity of the problem |
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You
are never too old to improve your smile. We also have options for
invisible braces with clear plastic trays that are worn in cases with
minor crowding. If you have crooked teeth or you don't like your smile,
come in for a consultation appointment to see what treatment options
are possible. |
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