Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. Crooked teeth and teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep clean, are at risk of being lost early due to tooth decay and periodontal disease, and cause extra stress on the chewing muscles that can lead to headaches, TMJ syndrome and neck, shoulder and back pain. Teeth that are crooked or not in the right place can also detract from one’s appearance.

Do I need an orthodontic treatment?
Yes, If you have any of the following conditions:

• • Overbite

Sometimes called “buck teeth” — where the upper front teeth lie too far forward (stick out) over the lower teeth

• • Underbite

A “bulldog” appearance where the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth too far back

• • Crossbite

When the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting together normally

• • Open bite

Space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together

• • Misplaced midline

When the center of your upper front teeth does not line up with the center of your lower front teeth

• • Spacing

Gaps, or spaces, between the teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not “fill up” the mouth

• • Crowding

When there are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate