Common Orthodontic Problems

We provide orthodontic care for a wide range of problems. When a person’s teeth do not fit together properly, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to promote ideal function and improve oral health.

According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can contribute to speech difficulty, tooth wear, tooth decay, and even increase the rate of breakdown of the bone and gums that support the teeth. Ultimately, orthodontic treatment does more than make a pretty smile—it creates a healthier you.

Below are some of the common orthodontic problems that we treat:

Crowding

Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt into the mouth. Crowding can often be corrected through orthodontic treatment without tooth removal.

Spacing

Spacing problems may be caused by missing teeth or by a mismatch of the size of the teeth and the supporting jaw. For many people, this can be a cosmetic issue.

Upper Front teeth Protrusion

The appearance and function of your teeth are impacted by upper front teeth protrusion. It is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending far enough forward.

Crossbite

In a crossbite, the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which may cause tooth wear and misaligned jaw growth.

Overbite

In an overbite, the vertical overlap of the upper and lower front teeth is too deep, This can lead to abnormal tooth wear and sometimes causes the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.

Underbite

In an underbite, the lower jaw extends out, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth.

Openbite

Proper chewing is impacted by an openbite, in which the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap. Open bites may be caused by habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting or by an abnormality in jaw growth.

Dental Midlines Not Matching

Dental midlines that do not match are evident when the back bite does not fit and match appropriately. This may negatively impact jaw and proper dental function.

Children

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an initial orthodontic evaluation by age seven. While orthodontic treatment is not necessary for every child at this early age, a thorough examination can detect potential problems and anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment. Starting treatment at the appropriate time ensures the most effective and efficient treatment.

Some children benefit from early orthodontic treatment, also known as “interceptive treatment” or “phase one treatment”. This treatment is performed when a mixture of baby and permanent teeth are present, typically between ages seven-to-ten. Prudent intervention at this time guides growth and development, preventing more serious problems later.

Why is Age Seven Considered the Optimal Time for Screening?

By age seven, the first permanent molars have erupted, establishing the bite of the back teeth. At this time, an orthodontist can evaluate the front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding, or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for the best possible bite and smile.

What are the Advantages of Early Orthodontic Treatment?

Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
Establishing facial harmony and symmetry by influencing jaw growth
Reducing the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
Preserving space for unerupted teeth
Reducing the need for permanent tooth extractions
Lessening the time of later treatment

If early orthodontic intervention is not indicated, our orthodontists can explain any indications for future treatment. Future treatment would typically take place later in adolescence once more of the permanent teeth have erupted. In this case, we will carefully monitor growth and dental development, and begin treatment at the ideal time.

Teens

Teenage orthodontic treatment focuses on correcting the alignment of teeth and jaws during adolescence. Treatment is performed when most of the permanent teeth have erupted and the jaw is still developing, typically between ages 11-17. Intervention during growth makes it easier to guide teeth and jaws into the appropriate position. Treating orthodontic problems at this stage not only improves the appearance of the smile, but also supports better oral health and bite function.

Adults

At Northcut Orthodontics, orthodontics really is for all ages.

People are often surprised to find out that adult patients make up about 35 percent of our practice. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age provided that your gums and bone structure are healthy. Adult orthodontic treatment can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving your oral function and overall dental health are equally as important. Misaligned teeth and poor bites can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal tooth wear, headaches, and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain. Whether you have never had orthodontic treatment or you had orthodontic treatment in adolescence and have noticed some changes in the position of your teeth, we offer a variety of treatment options to help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile at any stage of life.

Adult treatment is discreet and effective. The new techniques and appliances we use are more esthetic, greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, and shorten treatment time. Your options may include metal braces, clear braces, or clear, Invisalign aligners. Our team works hand-in-hand with your general dentist and other dental specialists to coordinate care and create a treatment plan that supports your overall dental health.

Your new smile can begin today!

Oral Hygiene

It is really important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen throughout treatment. Bands, braces, wires, aligners, and retainers can all trap food and make it difficult to brush or floss away plaque. Careful brushing and flossing, preferably after every meal and snack, is the best way to prevent plaque build-up, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Brushing

Step1: Start with the outside of the teeth, with the brush at straight angle. Use circular, vibrating motions.

Step2: Clean the area between the gums and braces by angling the brush as necessary. Keep moving in a small circular motion.

Step3: Clean the rest of the outside of the teeth by angling the brush up (down for the lower jaw).

Step4: Carefully brush the chewing surface of both the upper and lower jaw.

Step5: Finish by brushing the inside of the teeth.

Flossing

Step1: Floss at least once a day. The floss needs to be pulled under the archwire. A floss threader facilitates this. Start by pulling floss through the threader.

Step2: Push the end of the floss threader under the arch wire and pull the floss through.

Step3: Pull the floss up between the teeth and gently move it up and down the side of both teeth. Remember to move it up all the way under the gums.

Step4: Pull the floss out and use a different section of it for the next tooth.

Rinsing

When you are finished brushing and flossing, rinse your mouth carefully with water. Then use a fluoride containing mouth rinse according to the manufacturers’ directions. This is important in preventing decalcification, the unsightly white scars in the enamel around your braces, which are permanent and can lead to dental decay. If canker sores, minor wounds and other mouth and gum irritations occur, an antiseptic mouth rinse can help reduce inflammation and provide relief, enabling natural healing to occur.

Interdental Toothbrush

An interdental toothbrush (Proxabrush®) is another aid you might find useful in keeping your teeth, braces and gums clean and healthy. It can be used to clean under orthodontic wires and around braces. Use this device slowly and carefully, so you do not damage your braces.

Retainer Care

During the retention phase, it is important to brush your retainers every time you brush your teeth as they can accumulate food particles and plaque.

Once a day, you should soak your appliance in a glass of room-temperature tap water with a denture-cleaning tablet, such as Polident® or Efferent®. This will help prevent plaque build-up and oral infections and will keep your appliance tasting better. DO NOT use hot water as it can distort the appliance.

Food Guidelines

Your teeth may be a little sore for the first week in braces, so we recommend sticking to a soft food diet until the discomfort subsides. While in braces, you can still eat just about anything although there are a few exceptions.

You should avoid hard foods, such as ice, corn nuts and hard crusts of bread or pizza, as well as sticky foods, including taffy and caramels. These foods can damage wires and brackets. It is also important to minimize foods high in sugar content, like candy and cookies, and reduce soda consumption to once a day.

See How We Can Improve Your Smile!

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