Why Orthodontics
Why Orthodontics?
There are many reasons a person may need orthodontic treatment. Although having a more beautiful smile is always one outcome, there are many other extremely important reasons to get braces. Correct tooth alignment is critical to healthy teeth, and good oral health is critical to our overall health. Good oral health helps to prevent many diseases and allows us to enjoy a healthy diet and feel good about ourselves when we smile.
If you observe any of these issues in your child's smile, please contact our office to discuss an orthodontic evaluation by our Board Certified orthodontist Dr. Goldknopf.
Do the upper teeth protrude?
Excessive protrusion of the upper front teeth – “buck teeth”– is a common orthodontic problem.
Is there a deep bite?
The upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth too much.
Is there an underbite?
The upper teeth fit inside the arch of the lower teeth.
Is there an open bite?
The child can stick his or her tongue between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are together.
Is there too little or too much room for the teeth?
Crowded or overlapped teeth...
...or noticeably large gaps between teeth.
Do the front teeth line up?
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.
Is there a crossbite?
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.
Other possible problems include:
• Difficulty Chewing
• Open-mouth Breathing
• Thumb or Finger Sucking
• Overlapping or Crowding of Erupting Permanent Teeth
• Jaws that Click or Pop
• Biting of the Cheek or Into The Roof of the Mouth
• Speech Problems
• Grinding or Wearing Down of Teeth
• Obvious Abnormal Bite Development of Any Kind