Orthodontic treatments are designed to address alignment and crowding issues, as well as issues with occlusion, or the way your teeth line up when your mouth closes. Conditions that can be successfully treated with orthodontics include:
overcrowding that can cause emerging teeth to become impacted or which can cause teeth to come in sideways or at odd angles
overbites and underbites, which occur when the upper teeth either protrude significantly over the lower teeth or when they line up behind the lower teeth when your mouth is closed
crossbites, which occurs when some of the upper teeth line up behind the lower teeth when your mouth is closed
spacing issues like gaps
Orthodontics can also be used to treat temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), a condition that develops as a result of an imbalanced bite and which can cause chronic headaches, jaw pain, and eventual tooth loss.
Yes. In addition to the cosmetic benefits offered by braces, orthodontic care can also make it easier to care for your teeth and gums. Teeth that are crooked and crowded are more difficult to clean, resulting in a significantly increased risk of decay and gum disease. Straightening teeth makes it easier to maintain your teeth and gums between routine cleanings.
The best way to make sure your child receives treatment at the most appropriate time is to have an evaluation by the time your child is seven years old so steps can be taken which may help avoid crowding and alignment issues so orthodontic care is faster, more effective and less costly.