Do I Need Braces?
Do I Need Braces?
What Conditions Can Braces Treat?
Common Conditions We Treat
Every patient’s problems are unique and require a different treatment plan. Here are some common types of malocclusion our orthodontist treat on a regular basis.
Crowded Teeth
Crowding happens when there is not enough space inside the dental arch for teeth to grow into, resulting in teeth overlapping with each other or having rotations.
Spacing
In contrast to crowding, excess amount of spacing can occur in the dental arch, leading to gaps between teeth and possible food impactions.
Open Bite
An anterior open bite is often a result of malformation of the underlying structure of the face and jaw where the two jaw bones diverge from each other. As a result, the teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed, which can cause difficulty when chewing food.
Under Bite
An underbite is when the lower jaw or teeth extend beyond the upper jaw or teeth when the jaw is at rest. Similar to overbite, an underbite can be more severe than a simple cosmetic flaw.
Over Bite
This is a slang term commonly referring to the situation where a patient’s top jaw and teeth extend too far beyond the bottom teeth when the jaw. It is a common misconception that upper and lower teeth need to be in an edge to edge relationship with each other; this is not true. The top teeth should cover the bottom teeth with 1-2mm of spacing between them; this is the normal and healthy smile. However, a larger overbite is not only unpleasant esthetically, but also may increase the risk of injuries to the upper front teeth.
Crossbite
Crossbite is a condition whereby the upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth. This misalignment can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth, involving the front teeth, back teeth, or both. People suffering from this condition often have trouble chewing and have increased tooth wear.
Deep Bite
The depth of the bite refers to the amount of overlapping between the top and bottom front teeth. When the amount of overlap exceeds 40%, it is referred to as deep bite. A deep bite will lead to excessive wear down of the biting edges of the front teeth.
Get a Consultation
answer our 1 minute questionnaire and get a consultation with our orthodontist!
Dr. Wang, DDS, MSc, FRCD(C)
Orthodontist
Dr. Kevin Lee, DMD, MSc, FRCD(C)
Orthodontist
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Details for Common Conditions
Methods for treating misaligned teeth vary greatly, so accurate diagnosis is of the utmost importance. PacificWestDental in Surrey has decades of experience diagnosing and treating each of these conditions below.
Crowded Teeth
Crowding happens when there is not enough space inside the dental arch for teeth to grow into, resulting in teeth overlapping with each other or having rotations.
In addition to being aesthetically unpleasing, crowded teeth are also more difficult to clean, and often time will cause misalignment of the bite and result in increased teeth wear. Though usually inherited through genetics, losing a primary tooth too early can also result in loss of space for other adult teeth.
Open Bite
An anterior open bite is often a result of malformation of the underlying structure of the face and jaw where the two jaw bones diverge from each other. As a result, the teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed, which can cause difficulty when chewing food.
Open bite is often a hereditary condition but can also be caused by several other factors during the development stages of youth. Possible causes include frequent pacifier use, thumb sucking, or regularly thrusting the tongue between the teeth while talking.
Overbite
This is a slang term commonly referring to the situation where a patient’s top jaw and teeth extend too far beyond the bottom teeth when the jaw. It is a common misconception that upper and lower teeth need to be in an edge to edge relationship with each other; this is not true. The top teeth should cover the bottom teeth with 1-2mm of spacing between them; this is the normal and healthy smile. However, a larger overbite is not only unpleasant esthetically, but also may increase the risk of injuries to the upper front teeth.
Overbite is most often the result of jaw bone size discrepancy, but it can also be caused by a malalignment of the teeth. An untreated overbite can lead to difficulty in chewing, increased risk of tooth injury, additional strain on jaws and teeth, among other issues.
Underbite
An underbite is when the lower jaw or teeth extend beyond the upper jaw or teeth when the jaw is at rest. Similar to overbite, an underbite can be more severe than a simple cosmetic flaw.
An underbite can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw as patients often need to make a shift when biting down in order for the back teeth to come into contact. Even in that position, only some of the teeth can bite together, greatly reducing the patient’s ability to chew food.
An Underbite is almost always caused by genetics and oftentimes we will not be able to assess the full extent of the underbite until the patient finishes growth. It is the most complicated orthodontic condition requiring careful diagnosis and treatment planning for best outcome.
Crossbite
Crossbite is a condition whereby the upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth. This misalignment can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth, involving the front teeth, back teeth, or both. People suffering from this condition often have trouble chewing and have increased tooth wear.
Crossbites are a complex condition that can lead to severe implications concerning long-term dental health. Steps should be taken to treat a crossbite as early as possible as treatment is far simpler in younger patients.
Spacing
In contrast to crowding, excess amount of spacing can occur in the dental arch, leading to gaps between teeth and possible food impactions.
Excessive amount of space between teeth can be due to mis-match in the size of teeth and the dental arch, but it could also be due to a pathological growth in the bone, such as an extra tooth. Once diagnosed, excess spacing is not hard to treat orthodontically. However, careful retention is needed as relapsing is very common in patients with spacing if they do not wear retainers regularly.
Deep Bite
The depth of the bite refers to the amount of overlapping between the top and bottom front teeth. When the amount of overlap exceeds 40%, it is referred to as deep bite. A deep bite will lead to excessive wear down of the biting edges of the front teeth.
A deep bite causes difficulty when chewing certain foods, jaw pain, slurred speech and even headaches. A deep bite is a severe condition that should be treated as soon as possible.
Book a Consultation
If you’re ready to take the next step to achieving your perfect smile, it’s time to book your appointment. Contact us now at 604-501-0993 or by filling in the form found below.
Our initial consultation is to help us examine your bite and formulate a treatment plan to resolve your alignment issues. We make time to answer all of your questions, helping to set your mind at ease about your recommended course of action.
