What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a series of treatments designed to gently shift teeth into the correct position through the application of pressure over a long period of time. These treatments take place over relatively long time periods, spanning from a few months to a few years.
Typically, orthodontic treatments require regular adjustments to ensure the right amount of pressure is being applied to the correct places. The pressure is applied using different appliances.
Conditions Requiring Orthodontic Treatment
- Underbite: When the mouth closes, the top teeth sit behind the bottom teeth, rather than slightly in front.
- Deep bite: When the mouth closes, the top teeth sit too far down, covering too much of the bottom teeth.
- Overjet: The front teeth sit at an angle, protruding forward rather than sitting straight up and down.
- Open bite: When the mouth closes, the top and bottom teeth at the back of the jaws touch, while there is still an open space between the top and the bottom teeth at the front of the mouth.
- Gapped teeth: There is more space than there should be between the teeth.
- Crossbite: When the mouth closes, the top teeth do not align properly with their corresponding bottom teeth.
- Crowded teeth: Teeth are overlapping each other or there is not enough space in the jaw, forcing teeth to erupt in incorrect places of the mouth.