Habit Correction (Thumb Sucking / Tongue Thrust)
What are the common habits that require orthodontic correction?
The most common habits include prolonged thumb or finger sucking, lip sucking, and tongue thrusting (pushing the tongue against teeth while swallowing). If these persist past age 5, they can alter jaw growth and tooth alignment.
How do habit-breaking appliances work?
Orthodontists use fixed or removable appliances, such as a palatal crib, to physically prevent the habit. These tools serve as a gentle reminder to the child and block the pressure that causes teeth to move out of place.
Open Bite
What is an open bite and what causes it?
An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, leaving a gap. It is often caused by genetics, thumb sucking, or tongue thrusting.
Can an open bite be fixed without surgery?
In many cases, yes. Orthodontists can treat open bites using braces, clear aligners (like Invisalign), or specialized elastics. However, severe skeletal open bites in adults may sometimes require a combination of orthodontics and jaw surgery.
Deep Bite (Overbite)
What is a deep bite?
A deep bite is a type of malocclusion where the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower teeth to hit the roof of the mouth.
Why should a deep bite be treated?
If left untreated, a deep bite can lead to significant wear on the lower incisors, gum damage, and potential TMJ (jaw joint) issues. Correction helps balance the bite and protect your tooth enamel.
Crossbite
What is the difference between an anterior and posterior crossbite?
An anterior crossbite is when the top front teeth sit behind the bottom front teeth (similar to an underbite). A posterior crossbite occurs when the upper back teeth sit inside the lower back teeth.
Does a crossbite require early intervention?
Yes. Crossbites can cause the jaw to shift to one side, leading to asymmetrical facial growth and tooth wear. Treating a crossbite early in childhood can often prevent the need for surgery later.
Overbite (Overjet)
Is an overbite the same as “buck teeth”?
While often used interchangeably, “buck teeth” usually refers to overjet, where the upper teeth protrude horizontally. A vertical overlap is technically an overbite. Both can be corrected to improve aesthetics and prevent tooth injury.
Can Invisalign fix a severe overbite?
Modern clear aligner technology is highly effective at treating many overbites. By using “attachments” and elastics, your orthodontist can shift the teeth into the correct position without traditional metal braces.
Underbite
What causes an underbite?
An underbite occurs when the lower teeth extend past the upper front teeth. This is typically caused by the lower jaw being too large or the upper jaw being too small, often due to genetics.
How do orthodontists treat an underbite?
Treatment options include braces, “facemask” appliances to encourage upper jaw growth in children, or corrective jaw surgery for adults whose bone growth is complete.
Crowding
What are the signs of dental crowding?
Crowding occurs when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all teeth to fit normally. Signs include teeth that are rotated, overlapping, or “bunched up,” making them difficult to brush and floss.
Do I need tooth extractions to fix crowding?
Not necessarily. While extractions were common in the past, many modern orthodontists use arch expansion and specialized braces to create space without removing healthy teeth. Sometimes extractions are still indicated.
Spacing (Diastema)
What causes gaps between teeth?
Spacing issues can result from missing teeth, small teeth, or a “heavy” labial frenum (the tissue above the two front teeth). It can also be caused by a mismatch between jaw size and tooth size.
Is spacing just a cosmetic issue?
While many patients seek treatment for a more confident smile, closing gaps also prevents food from getting trapped against the gums, reducing the risk of gingivitis and bone loss.