At Bergen Orthodontics, we understand that each patient’s journey to a perfect smile is unique. Many people face a variety of orthodontic issues, and knowing how these problems are treated can help you feel more confident about your orthodontic care. Here’s a guide to some common orthodontic issues and the treatments we use to address them.
Crowding
Dental crowding occurs when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all of your teeth to fit properly. This can lead to overlapping teeth and difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene.
To resolve crowding, we may use braces or clear aligners to gradually move your teeth into their ideal positions. In more severe cases, extracting one or more teeth may be necessary to create the necessary space for proper alignment. The goal is to align your teeth correctly and improve both function and appearance.
Spacing
Spacing issues arise when there are gaps between teeth, which can be due to missing teeth or teeth that are smaller than average. This can affect your bite and the overall aesthetics of your smile.
Braces or Invisalign can be used to close gaps and align your teeth. If teeth are missing, we might suggest other options like dental implants or bridges to address the gaps and enhance your smile’s function and appearance.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth. This can lead to issues with chewing, speech, and even jaw pain.
Correcting an overbite often involves using braces or Invisalign to reposition the teeth. In more severe cases, we might use additional appliances, such as headgear or functional appliances, to help adjust the position of the jaw.
Underbite
An underbite is when the lower front teeth are positioned in front of the upper front teeth. This can impact the way you bite and chew, and it may lead to discomfort, uneven wear on your teeth, and TMJ issues.
Treatment for an underbite often involves braces or clear aligners to realign the teeth. In cases where the underbite is caused by skeletal discrepancies, we may recommend additional treatments, such as orthopedic appliances or even orthognathic surgical intervention, if necessary.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when some of your upper teeth bite on the inside of your lower teeth, which can lead to uneven wear and a misaligned jaw.
To address a crossbite, we use braces or Invisalign to correct the alignment of your teeth. We may also use expansion devices to widen the upper jaw if needed, ensuring that the bite aligns properly and functions smoothly.
Open Bite
An open bite is when there is a space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This can make biting and chewing difficult and may affect speech.
Treatment for an open bite typically involves braces or Invisalign to shift the teeth into the correct position. In some cases, we might use additional appliances or make adjustments to address any underlying skeletal issues contributing to the open bite.
Overjet
Overjet refers to the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth. A significant overjet can result in protruding front teeth, which might lead to aesthetic concerns or functional issues.
To reduce an overjet, we may use braces or Invisalign to move the teeth into better alignment, often in connection with elastics to retract flared upper teeth. In some cases, we may also use other appliances to correct the bite and improve overall dental function.
At Bergen Orthodontics, we are dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of orthodontic issues with personalized precision and care. If you’re experiencing any of these common problems or have other concerns about your dental alignment, we invite you to request a consultation with our amazing doctors and highly trained team. We are here to provide individualized solutions and guide you every step of the way toward achieving a healthier, more beautiful smile.
