Everyone has a different smile, so it makes sense that misalignment would cause a variety of issues. Oftentimes, the shape of the mouth is influenced by a combination of factors, including the alignment of the jaws, how the teeth erupt, or childhood behaviors.

You can learn about the types of bite problems that affect patients of all ages by visiting an orthodontist. Minor gaps and tooth alignment are not usually a major concern. Rather, orthodontists are devoted to treating patients with the following types of bite problems with comprehensive orthodontic treatment:

Underbite

An underbite is a common issue, especially in children. It occurs when a person’s lower jaw is pushed forward, leaving the lower rows of teeth protruding. This type of bite can cause serious problems, such as rapid tooth wear, damage to the enamel, and stress on the jaw joints.

If the overbite is severe, the affected individual may also have a “bulldog” appearance or teeth that protrude over their upper lip. Braces are often recommended to treat this condition.

Overbite

Having an overbite is the opposite of having an underbite. An upper row of teeth covers the lower row of teeth when the upper jaw protrudes over the lower one. The most common cause of overbites is having a small or narrow upper palate.

With an overbite, an individual may experience problems like weak gums, increased damage to the enamel, rapid tooth wear, and difficulty eating. Braces in conjunction with palate expanders are recommended forms of treatment.

Misalignment

An alignment problem occurs when the jaws or teeth do not line up properly. Generally speaking, misalignment refers to a situation where the teeth or jaws are causing extreme wear on the enamel and joints of the jaws.

Crossbite

Crossbite comes in two forms: anterior and posterior. A posterior crossbite occurs when the upper teeth fit behind the lower teeth, whereas an anterior crossbite occurs when the lower teeth fit behind the upper teeth.

A crossbite can affect a single tooth or several teeth. Both baby teeth and permanent teeth may be affected.

One of the most serious bite problems an individual can have is crossbites. Misaligned teeth can cause a wide range of issues, including lopsided jaw growth, lopsided facial appearance, and excessive enamel wear. Additionally, the affected teeth could dig into the gum tissue, weakening it and making it more susceptible to infection.

Crowding

The teeth become crowded when there is not enough space for them to grow properly. Because of this, the teeth may begin to overlap, rotate, or even become trapped behind the central row of teeth. There are several reasons for crowding, but the two most common are having large teeth or having a small mouth.

If crowding is severe, an orthodontist may recommend tooth extraction, braces, a palate expander, or even surgery. Young patients can prevent future crowding by having their teeth removed.

Spacing issues

A gap in a smile occurs when two teeth are not properly aligned, resulting in a space between them. A small gap is normal, especially between the two front teeth. However, larger gaps should be taken seriously. This can result in weakened gum tissue, increased gum disease risk, and unnatural shifting of other teeth.

Braces and dental implants are both common methods of fixing gaps in the mouth.

Deep Bite

A deep bite is when the front teeth almost completely cover the bottom ones. A deep bite could be considered an overbite, but not all overbites are deep bites. Since the teeth surround one another, the cusps constantly cut and scrape the gums on the other side. This is a serious misalignment that leads to issues, especially for the gums. This increases the risk of infection but can also loosen the hold the tissue has on the teeth.

In serious cases, individuals with deep bites can lose their permanent teeth.

Open Bite

There are two types of open bites: anterior and posterior. A posterior open bite occurs when the front teeth do not close while the back teeth do. When you have an anterior open bite, your front teeth close together, but your back teeth do not.

Sometimes, an open bite is caused by small or irregularly shaped teeth, but it can also be caused by childhood behaviors such as breathing through the mouth, thumb sucking, or pushing on the teeth constantly with the tongue. Untreated open bites can result in swallowing difficulties and speech impediments.

Protrusion

When the front teeth stick out at an odd angle, it is called a protrusion. Generally, protrusions are called “buck teeth,” and one may occur if the upper jaw is too forward, the lower jaw is too backward, or the teeth emerge at an odd angle. Additionally, some childhood behaviors, such as sucking one’s thumb as an older child, can result in a protrusion.

Protrusions have the longest list of effects and can be extremely uncomfortable. When left untreated, protrusions can lead to permanent tooth loss, an increased risk of breaking the front teeth, trouble closing the mouth, or excessive oral dryness that can lead to tooth decay.

Bite problems can affect both children and adults. If you or someone you know is experiencing one of these issues, you should consult our Portage MI orthodontist. The simplest treatment available is braces, which correct both tooth alignment and the alignment of the jaws.

Contact Sage Orthodontics of Portage today to schedule a consultation appointment.

It is not too much to ask for a beautiful smile and an enjoyable chewing experience. However, for some people, it is not so easy. Some children are born with crossbites. This is a misalignment of the teeth. It may affect your front teeth or your back teeth. The symptoms of each patient vary.

A crossbite causes your upper teeth to be hidden behind your lower teeth and vice versa. Biting and smiling can be challenging when you have a crossbite. However, modern bite correction options are available to correct this problem, including braces.

What causes a crossbite?

A crossbite occurs when the upper jaw sits inside the lower jaw. Crossbites can be treated by an orthodontist in a variety of ways, all of which are feasible. You might be self-conscious about your smile as well as find eating difficult. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is one of the potentially serious cases. A TMD disorder may cause earaches, jaw pain or discomfort, headaches, and problems with the muscles of the jaw. Our orthodontist can find the root cause of the problem and can prevent TMD and other consequences that affect your dental health and overall well-being.

Types of crossbites

The two types of dental crossbites are anterior and posterior. An anterior crossbite occurs when the incisors are located within the lower jaw. In the posterior crossbite, the back of the jaw is affected and can cause pain and discomfort. A posterior crossbite affects 16% of children, while an anterior crossbite affects only 4–5% of them.

What are the issues caused by crossbites?

Genetics is the most common cause of crossbite in children. The cause is usually genetically determined by the parents or other close family members. In addition to several common causes of crossbite, such as nail-biting, poor chewing habits, or thumb sucking (a frequent childhood habit), it can also be caused by the delayed loss of primary teeth. Having large tonsils or adenoids may aggravate this condition. At your initial consultation, our orthodontist will take x-rays to determine the cause of the crossbite as well as give you advice on how to treat it. 

Effects of crossbites

A misaligned bite can lead to dental issues and bruxism. You may also experience mental or physical issues. This can also lead to jaw muscle tension, tooth decay, and gum disease, which can result in persistent jaw disorders and shoulder, back, and neck pain.

This type of condition must be diagnosed as soon as possible to correct it and prevent future dental and skeletal issues.

Crossbite Treatment

The best time to treat this form of malocclusion is when the patient is a child or in their teens. Adults, on the other hand, can still receive treatment, but it is treated at a much slower pace. According to the American Dental Association, or ADA, an orthodontist should ensure that there is enough room for the teeth to move and that the bite can be enlarged to facilitate the shift. Additionally, the patient will be required to wear an orthodontic appliance during treatment. The following are some common treatment options:

• Maxillary Expander A device will be attached to the palate and placed on your upper teeth by your orthodontist. Using a special key on the device, the maxillary expander gradually widens the upper palate. The device is best suited for children who are still developing their taste buds.
• Removable Expander An adult can gradually increase the size of their upper palate by using expanders. They are worn every night until the desired results are achieved.
• Braces Both metal and ceramic braces are effective for treating crossbites or underbites. Using brackets on each tooth and a wire to connect them, your Portage MI orthodontist will move each tooth into its correct alignment, moving the misaligned teeth until the bite is corrected.

During the initial phase of development, orthodontic treatment of a crossbite is much less complicated and cost-effective. Please contact Sage Orthodontics of Portage to schedule an appointment if you are concerned about a possible crossbite.

When you were a kid, braces were the coolest! It’s still the same now.

It’s never too late to improve your confidence and self-esteem by correcting any issues with your bite or the alignment of your teeth. Adults often seek orthodontic treatment for problems that extend beyond cosmetic concerns. It doesn’t matter if you’re thinking about changing your smile for aesthetic reasons or to fix long-standing bite and jaw alignment issues, specialized orthodontic treatment can give you a smile that looks and feels great!

With recent advancements in orthodontic treatment, there are more options available to adults. These treatments are effective, less noticeable, and more comfortable than ever before. If you are considering orthodontic treatment, our orthodontist will discuss which options best suit your lifestyle, needs, and goals.

Conventional metal braces

Even though the thought of metal braces as an adult may not appeal to everyone, conventional braces for adults provide exceptional treatment outcomes and may be the best option for specific types of orthodontic concerns. Modern braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever before, and more and more adults choose traditional metal braces because of their fast results.

Ceramic braces

For adults who desire the benefits of traditional braces but wish to receive treatment more discreetly, ceramic braces are also a popular option. With ceramic braces, metal braces are replaced with tooth-colored composite brackets, which mimic your natural tooth color. Ceramic braces are susceptible to staining just like your natural teeth are, so you must clean them thoroughly.

Invisalign

Treatment with Invisalign clear aligners, the most popular option for adults, uses a 3D image of your teeth to create a series of custom-fit trays that gradually shift your teeth and jaw to the desired position. The most discreet form of orthodontic treatment could be the perfect solution if you’re concerned about the visibility of your orthodontic appliances.

In what ways does orthodontic treatment differ for adults?

As with children and teens, orthodontic treatment for adults involves gently pushing teeth into their desired positions over time using their orthodontic devices. In adults, however, teeth and jawbones are no longer developing, so treatment may take longer than it does for younger patients with less bone density.

Smoking, tongue thrusting when swallowing, and clenching or grinding your teeth can also affect the length and outcome of adult orthodontic treatment. For severe cases, your orthodontist may need to consult your dentist or enlist the help of a specialist.

Why should adults consider orthodontic treatment?

Is there value in having a confident, healthy smile in your everyday life, at special events like weddings, or in your career?

Through specialized orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign clear aligners, individuals can achieve an improved smile that will improve their quality of life and psychological well-being. Researchers have shown that healthy, straight smiles inspire confidence and self-esteem in relationships, social settings, business, and your career and that individuals who are embarrassed by crowded or crooked teeth don’t smile as much as those with perfect teeth.

The result of a bad bite, known as malocclusion, can cause abnormal jaw pain and pressure. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, difficulty chewing, and abnormal wear of the tooth enamel. In addition, you may experience headaches, migraines, and pain in your jaw. These problems are alleviated with skilled orthodontic treatment, which eliminates the tension that causes pain.

Additionally, orthodontic treatment may be able to improve your ability to chew and speak, as well as help with sleep apnea. Straight teeth and proper jaw alignment are essential to your overall health and well-being.

By investing in orthodontic treatment, you can drastically reduce the amount of money you’ll spend on dental and health care throughout your lifetime. You’ll get to enjoy a healthier, more comfortable bite, avoid lifelong pain, and smile with confidence.

How will braces change my appearance?

Braces typically affect facial structure less in adults than in teens who are still growing, although you will notice a more balanced appearance after treatment. The greater the imbalance at the start, the greater the result will be. Rest assured, you will still look like yourself!

When planning your treatment, it’s vital to work with a highly qualified orthodontist. The specialized expertise and precision of our orthodontist will ensure that you get both aesthetic and functional benefits. Contact our orthodontic office today to schedule a consultation appointment.

When your child needs braces, you’ll discover there are many different ways orthodontists can make sure your child has the perfect smile. A two-phase treatment encourages gradual changes that correspond with a child’s different growth phases. As a result of early intervention, this treatment method can help reduce the need for invasive corrections, such as extractions of adult teeth.

Age plays a significant role in determining your child’s eligibility for two-phase orthodontic treatment. The majority of children who need early orthodontic care will need to be referred to an orthodontist around age seven or eight to assess their treatment options. When it comes to braces for kids, their rate of growth can have a huge impact on the effectiveness of the treatment. 

With two stages of treatment, an orthodontist can use noninvasive devices to promote healthy jawbone growth before fitting braces. The process allows for earlier treatment of problems identified during dental exams.

Phase 1

During this first stage, your child will receive any care that is needed to properly prepare the teeth and jaw for braces. To support proper jaw growth, your orthodontist will determine the best approach. The goal of this phase is to ensure the upper and lower jaws grow large enough to accommodate the permanent teeth. Additionally, the first stage of treatment centers around eliminating issues that could affect your child’s bite, tooth spacing, and overall dental health. For example, a palatal crib can be used to prevent your child from developing an abnormal bite from thumb sucking, which may still happen at a young age.

Using proven dental appliances, your orthodontist can intervene in developing bite issues. In some cases, your child may need palatal expanders to correct bite issues by widening the upper jaw. An orthodontist can adjust the upper jaw width correctly by using these adjustable expanders based on your child’s growth. Patients with underdeveloped jaws and crowded teeth are often treated with palatal expanders in phase 1. Other indications for phase 1 treatment are less common and should be evaluated by an expert.

Your child may need to wear a retainer to maintain his or her results after completing the first phase of treatment.

Phase 2

Phase two begins once your child’s adult teeth have fully erupted. As part of phase two, orthodontists adjust the spacing between teeth. To achieve this goal, braces are usually placed on the upper and lower teeth to facilitate their gradual movement into the correct position. Depending on your child’s orthodontic treatment goals, braces may need to be on their teeth for up to 24 months. 

As your child’s braces or aligners move teeth into their correct positions, they will periodically need to be adjusted. We will arrange regular adjustment appointments for your child to ensure treatment progress. During this phase, please make sure that your child is properly caring for their braces. Many children need to wear retainers to keep their teeth in their new positions after braces are removed. Depending on your child’s needs, it may be necessary to wear the retainer around the clock or only at night.

Two-phase orthodontics gently corrects your child’s bite and tooth spacing issues. Your child will feel less discomfort during and after an orthodontic adjustment if there are gradual shifts in tooth placement and jaw width. As a result, the patient experience improves across the board, which leads to your child remaining focused and enthusiastic about the outcome.

We want your child’s experience with braces to be positive. To schedule an appointment, please call our orthodontic office today.

A tooth’s enamel is the hardest material in your body and your teeth are its guardians. A healthy mouth is the first line of defense against harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay. You create bacteria when you eat certain foods, which attack the enamel of your teeth. For example, carbohydrates and sugary foods flood the enamel. Brushing your teeth immediately following a meal can damage your enamel.

Why is this harmful?

Your mouth’s pH level changes when you consume liquids and food. When you eat acidic foods, you raise the pH balance until it reaches a level where demineralization occurs. By causing the enamel to soften, the new acidity can allow bacteria to penetrate your teeth. After eating, brushing your teeth may harm your enamel. It would be best to protect your enamel because enamel protects your teeth.

Protect your enamel by following these steps:

After eating anything acidic, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. 

A good example is citrus fruits. It is a good idea to brush before consuming acidic foods or drinks.

You can remove acids by drinking water. You can follow this up by chewing sugarless gum. When these steps are followed, saliva can help restore the pH balance needed for a healthy smile.

Limit your soda intake to avoid permanent damage from phosphoric acid.

Maintaining optimal oral health requires brushing twice a day. 

Was it taught that you should brush your teeth directly after eating? This may seem like the right habit to adopt, but it could be detrimental to your dental health. It may be better to rinse your mouth with water after eating to maintain healthy enamel. We can provide you with tips for maintaining healthy, strong teeth if you come to Sage Orthodontics of Portage for an examination. Get in touch with our Portage Orthodontist today.