Malocclusion (or bad bite) and teeth misalignment are extremely common and treatable problems for many individuals. Failure to seek care for the improper alignment of the teeth and jaws can result in poor aesthetic and impaired chewing, biting and speaking functions.
Malocclusion can also cause a wide range of dental and physical problems including:
There are many orthodontic treatment methods that can be employed to move and realign the teeth. Orthodontic devices that correct irregularities are generally divided into two categories: fixed and removable appliances.
The most common type of fixed appliance is traditional dental braces. These appliances utilize brackets made from a variety of materials, including metal and tooth-colored ceramic, which are bonded to individual teeth and linked by an archwire. Orthodontic elastic bands may also be applied to the braces to add additional pressure to specific teeth.
At every orthodontic adjustment appointment, the elastic bands and wires are gently tightened until the teeth have moved into ideal alignment. In the case of overcrowding, a tooth or several teeth may need to be extracted prior to placement of braces, in order to maximize available jawbone space.
There are several different types of removable devices an orthodontist may recommend, based on a thorough examination, bite impressions and a diagnosis of current conditions.
If you have questions or concerns about the realignment of your teeth, please contact our offices.