Common Orthodontic Problems and How to Fix Them

Orthodontic treatments usually last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the patient's needs. After braces are removed, it's important to wear a retainer to make sure that results are maintained.

Crowded Teeth

Braces straighten the teeth, but they also keep teeth from crowding together later. Because crooked teeth are difficult to clean properly, plaque can build up easily around them. This leads to gum disease and even tooth loss without proper orthodontic treatment like braces or Invisalign® treatment.

If your teeth are crowded right now, they will be easier to clean with braces than if you didn't have them at all. Having straighter teeth also improves your appearance significantly so that your smile is more professional and attractive.

Misaligned Bite

One frequent problem that patients experience is misaligned bites. If the upper jaw isn't aligned properly with the lower jaw, it can cause problems with the way the teeth fit together when you bite down. This can lead to a variety of issues like tooth grinding, jaw pain, and early signs of TMJ disorder. Your orthodontist can use an X-ray to determine the proper alignment of your jaws. From there, they can recommend the best treatment for realigning the jaw and providing relief for symptoms of TMD. In most cases, your orthodontist in Hamilton, MT, will recommend wearing a splint at night to provide relief from symptoms. If your misalignment is more severe, they might recommend that you undergo orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign.

Asymmetrical Teeth

Another common problem is asymmetrical teeth, which occur when teeth are unevenly spaced or overlapped. This can develop for a number of reasons, including genetics, thumb sucking as a child, or missing adult teeth. Orthodontists can treat patients with this issue using orthodontics. Braces use brackets, wires, and a retainer to shift the teeth into the correct position over time. Invisalign works the same way but uses clear aligner trays that are custom-made to fit over the patient's teeth. Patients wear these trays all day but can remove them for

Overbite

An overbite is characterized by the upper teeth sitting too far forward in relation to the lower teeth, often leading to issues such as tooth stratification or bite problems, and jaw pain. Often, an overbite is genetic in nature. However, it can also be caused by poor oral habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting. Fortunately, braces and other orthodontic devices can help correct an overbite while also improving oral health.

An overbite can be caused by a number of things. The orthodontist in Hamilton, MT, can help determine the cause of the problem and recommend treatment based on that assessment. In most cases, a treatment plan will involve braces or other devices that will slowly shift the position of the teeth and jaw over time to correct the issue and help the teeth function better inside the mouth. Braces and other devices are the more common solution.

Underbite

An underbite, also known as an underjet, occurs when the lower front teeth stick out farther than the upper front teeth. It's typically caused by genetics or overdevelopment of the bone that supports the teeth. It can also result from thumb-sucking as a child.

There are several ways to treat an orthodontic underbite. Braces are the most common solution. 

Crossbite

When the upper teeth overlap the bottom teeth too much, this is called a crossbite. This can cause problems with the jaw and bite alignment, which can also lead to problems eating or speaking. Braces can fix crossbites by gradually shifting the jaw into a better position over time. Some patients may need to wear headgear to correct their crossbites. During your consultation, our best orthodontist in Hamilton, MT, can determine how severe your crossbite is before discussing treatment options with you.

While braces are an effective treatment for most orthodontic issues, it will depend on the unique problems with the patient's teeth and their preferences for treatment. 

Get in touch with our orthodontist in Hamilton, MT, and orthodontist in Stevensville, MT, at 1116 W Main St, Hamilton, MT 59840, or 3920 US Hwy 93, Stevensville, MT 59870. You can call (406) 363-2200 to learn more.