Achieving a beautiful smile is possible thanks to orthodontics and overbite treatment! It does not matter what kind of dental issues you might be experiencing; Portland orthodontists have several tools and techniques that can help you improve your oral health and the aesthetics of your smile.
Now, you might be wondering how they do that. Well, there are different types of approaches to address malocclusions and misalignments, such as preventive or corrective orthodontics. In this article, we want to explore the benefits of preventive orthodontics in Portland.
When we talk about a preventive approach, we are referring to an early intervention that focuses on identifying and correcting orthodontic issues before they become more complicated. This will help you avoid more intrusive and extensive orthodontic treatments. This is why it’s important to attend to the orthodontist’s office from a young age; it allows you and your orthodontist to monitor the growth of your teeth and jaws.
Let’s explore some of the most important aspects of preventive orthodontics:
Early Assessment:
The recommended age for assisting the first orthodontic consultation is around 7 years of age. This initial assessment helps orthodontists identify any potential issues and determine if early intervention is necessary. It is important to remember that not every child needs to start treatment.
Interceptive Treatment:
If the orthodontist identifies dental problems during early assessments, they might recommend interceptive treatment. Such a specialized treatment involves the use of appliances, like braces, to reposition the teeth and guide the development of the jaws.
Monitoring Growth and Development:
Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor jaw growth and the development of teeth. This is the only way that orthodontists can address dental problems, preventing more severe problems in the future.
Portland Orthodontics is a discipline that improves aesthetic details as well as the functions of the mouth. However, we recommend that you make an appointment with an experienced orthodontist who can guide you in every step of your orthodontic journey.
What Is Malocclusion of Teeth?
When our jaws are closed together, our bite and teeth should be perfectly aligned. However, if they are not properly aligned, we may suffer from a malocclusion of teeth. We are talking about a condition that can affect the position of our bite, appearance, and oral health.
There are several reasons why malocclusion can occur; for instance, it can happen because of developmental issues, genetics, or habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting. Also, there are different types of malocclusions that can vary in complexity, from mild to severe cases. Let’s explore the types of malocclusion of teeth:
Open Bite:
Open bite refers to a situation where the upper and lower teeth aren’t properly aligned and don’t come into contact when the jaws are closed, making it difficult to bite and chew properly.
Crossbite:
We talk about a crossbite when a few of the upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth, affecting both front and back teeth.
Crowding:
If there is not enough space for all the teeth to align correctly, then we are facing a case of crowding. This can result in the overlapping of teeth. Crooked teeth can be a part of the problem as well.
Spacing:
On the other hand, spacing refers to the opposite situation of crowding. This means that there is excessive space between teeth, creating gaps and uneven spaces in the jaw and position of teeth.
Diastema:
This term refers to a specific type of dental spacing. In this case, there is a noticeable space or gap between the two upper front teeth.
If you suspect that you might suffer from some class of malocclusion, we recommend that you seek professional help. Remember that a qualified orthodontist is the only one who can assess your dental situation and conduct orthodontic treatment, such as braces, aligners, and even surgical interventions, depending on the severity of the case.
What Is an Overbite? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Overbites refer to a dental condition where the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth. This type of malocclusion can affect both oral functions and aesthetics. In this section, we will discuss several aspects of overbites:
Causes of Overbite:
Several causes might lead to the development of an overbite, such as:
Genetics:
If you have a family history of malocclusions, you have more possibility of developing an overbite.
Missing Teeth:
Prematurely losing your baby teeth can lead to an overbite since it can disrupt the proper alignment of your teeth.
Thumb-sucking:
Factors like thumb sucking and pacifiers during childhood can affect the development of teeth and jaws, causing an overbite and even a severe overbite.
Symptoms of Overbite:
Here’s a list of symptoms of overbite:
Functional Problems:
Overbites can affect the functionality of the jaw, making it harder to bite and chew food properly. This can create health issues and digestive problems in the future.
Speech Impairments:
In addition, severe cases of overbite can make it harder to speak clearly.
Oral Health Issues:
Not having properly aligned jaws can make it challenging to clean the teeth thoroughly. This can increase the risk of oral health issues, such as bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Treatment of Overbite:
To improve oral functions and aesthetics, you should consult with a professional orthodontist and ask them what kind of treatment suits your case. Some treatments are:
Orthodontic Braces:
Portland Orthodontic braces can gradually reposition the teeth, moving the upper front teeth backward and the lower teeth forward. This treatment can reduce the effects of an overbite.
Invisalign:
If you want a convenient and removable treatment option, Invisalign clear aligners are the right option for you. These appliances represent an alternative to traditional metal braces.
Can Invisalign Fix Overbite?
Of course! Invisalign is a great treatment choice for addressing mild to moderate overbites, depending on the specific case. Portland Clear aligners are becoming a popular option for patients who want to correct teeth and jaw misalignments. These appliances are transparent, removable, and comfortable.
Although Invisalign has a lot of benefits, it is essential to understand that it might not be suitable for all cases of overbites. For instance, patients with severe cases that involve significant jaw discrepancies may benefit from traditional metal braces or orthodontic surgery.
Here’s why Invisalign can be effective for addressing overbites:
Precise and Predictable Treatment:
Thanks to advanced technologies, dental professionals can carefully plan the movement of each tooth to address the overbite. This precision will allow the orthodontist to predict the result of treatment, avoiding potential issues.
Bite Correction:
One benefit of Invisalign treatment is that it can address upper and lower teeth at the same time, making sure that there is a complete bite correction.
Regular Monitoring:
Attending follow-up appointments is an important part of the Invisalign process. This allows your orthodontist to make sure that the treatment is progressing and make the adjustments that you need.
Remember to consult with a qualified dental professional before deciding what kind of orthodontic treatment you want to use. Yes, Invisalign is a great option for mild to moderate overbites and offers benefits to oral functions and aesthetics. However, not all patients can benefit from this treatment.
Everything You Need to Know About Overbites
If you want to know more about overbites, its causes, symptoms, and treatments, then we recommend that you make an appointment with a professional orthodontist. They will be happy to help you address orthodontic issues like overbites or misaligned teeth.
Contact Our Portland Orthodontics Office For Free Consultation
The team of Hillsdale Orthodontics is ready to create a personalized treatment plan for your specific case and answer all of the questions and concerns you might have. Dr. Leemin and Dr. Handick are qualified professionals who enjoy helping their patients achieve a confident and functional smile!
Why keep waiting? Start your Portland orthodontic journey to a healthier and straighter smile and book an initial appointment.
