Welcome to Angel Orthodontics where art meets science.
To us, functionality of the bite is as important as the aesthetics. We offer a variety of treatments designed to treat all of the unique orthodontic conditions that our patients of all ages experience. When a person’s teeth or jaws do not fit together properly, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct the problem, straighten the teeth and promote ideal function.
If left untreated, these orthodontic problems, often called malocclusions (or bad bites), can cause several health problems. Apart from decayed teeth, losing teeth or developing gum disease, malocclusion can affect how you chew food or how you speak. It can also damage your tooth enamel or cause problems for your TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint or Jaw joint).
Excessive protrusion of the upper front teeth – “buck teeth” – is by far the most common orthodontic problem. Class II patients usually exhibit a convex facial profile with a recessed chin. In most cases, this problem has genetic origin. The appearance and function of your teeth are impacted by this type of bite. It is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending far enough forward.
Class III problems are also primarily genetic in origin. An underbite is characterized by the lower jaw extending too far out, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth.The lower jaw may appear to be excessively large, but in many cases the lack of upper jaw development is at fault. Several treatment options are available to correct a Class III problem.Pseudo Class III, particularly in younger patients, is a function of habit or malaligned teeth rather than hereditary factors. A misaligned bite may cause the lower teeth to bite forward of the upper teeth, giving the appearance of a Class III. Interceptive treatment is imperative to prevent abnormal growth of both the upper and lower jaws.
A posterior crossbite will usually result from a narrow upper jaw or abnormally wide lower jaw. In order to close the mouth, patients move their lower jaw forward or to the side when closing into a stable bite. When closed into this position, the lower teeth are located outside the upper teeth which may cause misaligned jaw growth resulting facial asymmetry.
A posterior crossbite can involve one side of the jaw, known as a unilateral crossbite, or both sides of the jaw, known as a bilateral crossbite.
OVERLAPPED OR CROOKED TEETHCrowding of the teeth is probably the most common orthodontic problem and It is the most common reason for braces. Although many factors contribute to dental crowding, this problem typically stems from a discrepancy between the space in each jaw and the size of the teeth( teeth too big or jaws too small).Crowding can be the cause or result of other problems, such as impacted teeth, retained teeth or teeth that do not naturally fall out. Crossbite of the front or rear teeth can also cause the teeth to become crowded. Not only is crowding unattractive, but it has also been linked to periodontal problems and dental decay because it is harder to clean overlapping teeth’s surfaces.Ways to treat it:INTERPROXIMAL REDUCTION
Sometimes overcrowding can be solved without removing teeth. Stripping a very thin layer of enamel from a number of teeth can create room. Sometimes this is performed with a drill and sometimes with abrasive paper. The teeth can then be aligned using a Fixed Appliance.REMOVAL OF TEETHRather than remove the teeth which are out of position, all first premolars are removed. A Fixed Appliance is fitted. The teeth are pulled gently into line over several months using elastic bands.
SPACING, GAPS
Spaces between teeth are another common problem associated with the need for orthodontic care. Like crowding, spacing may be related to a tooth-to-jaw size disharmony. Spacing may occur between the front or the back teeth. Tooth size discrepancies, such as smaller teeth or abnormally shaped teeth, or tongue thrust habits can also create abnormal spacing. Spacing problems may be caused by Congenitally missing teeth. Missing teeth can cause drift and overeruption of other teeth.
Sometimes there is not enough bone between teeth to place an implant. ‘Bone space’ can be created by using a brace. The spring between the teeth opens and straightens the teeth, creating room for an Implant to be positioned.
DRIFT AND OVERERUPTION
When a tooth is missing, drift and overeruption can take place. Food traps are created and can lead to a build-up of plaque. If these teeth are not kept clean, decay can result and they can be lost and the whole process starts again.
SPACE MAINTAINER
When a ‘baby tooth’ is lost early in development the adjacent teeth can sometimes fall into the gap that is created (Drift). To prevent this a ‘space maintainer’ will be used to preserve the gap until the permanent tooth is ready to develop.
IMPACTED TEETH
Sometimes a Canine tooth can develop in the Palate. This can be moved like any other tooth by using a Fixed Appliance. The appliance is used to correct the position of the other teeth first then it is attached to the Canine. The Canine is gently pulled into position.
Deep bite is excessive vertical overlapping of the incisors where upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth too much.
This is generally found in association with a discrepancy between the length of the upper and lower jaws. It usually results in excessive eruption of the upper or lower incisors, or both sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite too far up behind the upper front teeth into palate and into the roof of the mouth. Problems often associated with an overbite include “gummy” smile, protruding lips and excessive incisor wear.
An openbite can occur with the front teeth, known as an anterior openbite or with the back teeth, referred to as a posterior openbite.
An anterior openbite is the lack of vertical overlap of the front teeth and can usually be traced to jaw disharmony or habits such as thumb sucking or the thrusting of the tongue against the front teeth. The patient can stick his or her tongue between upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are together. Both upper and lower incisors are forced outwards to an extent that the teeth do not touch each other, even when the mouth is closed. The smile is adversely affected and may develop a lisp.
A posterior openbite is a problem in which the back teeth do not meet vertically, which keeps the jaw from functioning properly. Proper chewing is impacted by this type of bite.An early evaluation and intervention is essential in correcting an openbite.
An anterior openbite is the lack of vertical overlap of the front teeth and can usually be traced to jaw disharmony or habits such as thumb sucking. The thumb pushes the upper teeth up and to the front causing an anterior open bite. The patient can then stick his or her tongue between upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are together. Upper incisors are forced outwards to an extent that the front teeth do not touch , even when the mouth is closed.
An anterior openbite is the lack of vertical overlap of the front teeth and can usually be traced to jaw disharmony or habits such as the thrusting of the tongue against the front teeth. The patient can stick his or her tongue between upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are together. Both upper and lower incisors are forced outwards to an extent that the teeth do not touch each other, even when the mouth is closed. The smile is adversely affected and may develop a lisp.
Dental Midlines not Matched The spaces between the two upper front teeth and the two lower front teeth should line up with each other and both should line up with the bridge of the nose. When they do not, the probable cause is drifted teeth or a shifted lower jaw, resulting in an improper bite.
Dental midlines that do not match are evident when the back bite does not fit and match appropriately. This may negatively impact jaw function and proper dental function.
CENTER LINE SHIFT
This orthodontic problem gives the appearance of excessive exposed gums on the upper arch. There are several treatment options for this problem. It may simply involve lifting the upper front teeth using braces to help reduce the excessive gum display. In more severe cases with a jaw discrepancy, surgery may be necessary to lift the upper jaw to help reduce the excessive exposure of the upper gum tissue.
EXCESSIVE GINGIVAL DISPLAY, GUMMY SMILE
ANTI SNORING
Mandibular repositioning splint (MRS) (also known as a mandibular advancement device or MAD). An MRS is designed to push your jaw and tongue forward. This will increase the space at the back of your throat and reduce the narrowing of your airway that is causing your tongue to vibrate, resulting in snoring.
If your snoring is associated with breathing difficulties, such as sleep apnea, it is recommended that a MRS is made specifically for you by an orthodontist using impressions of your teeth and jaw.
