Orthodontics
Orthodontics focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating jaw, face, and bite irregularities (malocclusions)—with options ranging from traditional braces to removable appliances.
Today, many patients pursue orthodontics for both health and aesthetics: a comfortable bite, easier hygiene, and a smile that looks as good as it feels.
What is a Malocclusion?
A malocclusion is an incorrect relationship between the maxilla (upper arch) and mandible (lower arch), or a general misalignment of teeth. Malocclusions are very common and may relate to genetics, oral habits, or early developmental factors.
Three main classifications
- Class I: typical bite relationship, with spacing or overcrowding.
- Class II: overbite (upper teeth forward of lower teeth), sometimes from tooth protrusion/overlap.
- Class III: underbite (lower teeth forward of upper teeth), often related to jawbone proportions.
Why treat it?
- Lower decay risk: uneven wear can contribute to erosion/decay.
- Better hygiene: straight teeth are easier to clean than crowded teeth.
- Reduced TMJ strain: realignment can reduce pressure and related symptoms.
Treatment often begins with panoramic X-rays, a visual exam, and bite impressions; in crowded cases, an extraction may be needed to create space. Options can include fixed braces, removable devices (retainers/headgear/palate expanders), and Invisalign® aligners.
What Does Orthodontic Treatment Involve?
The first step is a thorough visual exam. Diagnostic records typically include panoramic X-rays, bite impressions/castings, and sometimes additional jaw joint imaging. After reviewing records, your provider discusses options and outlines a predictable plan.
Common issues orthodontics can address
- Overcrowding: insufficient space can twist/displace teeth.
- Underbite (negative underjet): lower jaw protrudes beyond upper.
- Overbite: upper jaw protrudes relative to lower, affecting facial balance.
Appliance categories
Treatment generally uses either fixed appliances (brackets + archwire) or removable devices (aligners, retainers, headgear). Fixed braces are often removed after roughly 18–30 months depending on complexity.
In more complex cases, providers may coordinate with an oral surgeon if facial symmetry or jaw positioning needs to be addressed, and extractions may be considered when needed to create room.
Orthodontic Treatment Phases
Orthodontic care is commonly organized into two or three stages: planning, active treatment, and retention. Severe irregularities may involve coordination with other specialists, while most malocclusions are managed orthodontically.
Repositioning Teeth with Orthodontic Appliances
Malocclusion and misalignment can affect aesthetics, chewing/biting/speaking, and may contribute to broader issues such as higher decay risk (crowding affects hygiene), TMJ strain, and uneven tooth wear patterns.
Fixed appliances
Traditional braces use brackets (metal or tooth-colored ceramic) bonded to teeth and connected by an archwire. Elastics may add targeted pressure. Adjustments gradually tighten wires/bands until alignment is achieved. In overcrowding, an extraction may be recommended to maximize space.
Removable devices
- Invisalign®: clear trays changed every few weeks to keep gentle pressure moving teeth.
- Headgear: supports growth/development corrections (reverse pull vs. high pull depending on jaw growth patterns).
- Retainers: often used after braces to maintain alignment while jawbone stabilizes.
Kids: Evaluation & Early Orthodontics
Orthodontists can spot subtle issues in emerging teeth and jaw growth—even with a mix of baby and permanent teeth. Your site notes that an orthodontic checkup can start around age seven, and earlier if noticeable facial irregularities are present.
Signs a problem may be present
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Jaws that click, shift, or make noise
- Facial asymmetry from disproportionate jaws
- Finger/thumb sucking
- Bite misalignment (arches don’t meet properly)
- Teeth that meet irregularly
- Earlier or later loss of baby teeth than normal
Common childhood orthodontic problems
- Overcrowding
- Jaw growth irregularities
- Protruding teeth
- Teeth too widely spaced
Causes can be inherited, or influenced by acquired habits (thumb/finger sucking), mouth breathing, nutrition/hygiene issues, medical factors (including birth defects), and timing of baby tooth loss.
Does my child need early orthodontics?
An early check-up doesn’t automatically mean treatment starts immediately. The goal is early detection—because some irregularities are easier to correct before jaw growth is complete.
Preventive
Aims to prevent malocclusion in a normally developing mouth—for example, removing a baby tooth to allow the adult tooth to erupt properly, or using a space retainer when a baby tooth is lost too early.
Interceptive
Reduces developing problem complexity and removes causes where possible—often when a child has a mix of baby and adult teeth (e.g., removing long-retained baby teeth, creating space for erupting adult teeth).
Comprehensive
Used for more significant growth irregularities or poorly functioning jaws; may combine orthodontics with jaw surgery, tooth extractions, or restorative approaches, and can involve multiple phases.
How early care can help
Early intervention may help correct habit-based issues, guide jaw growth, reduce risk of injury to protruding teeth, and reduce the amount/duration of later treatment.
Care During Orthodontic Treatment
Great results require commitment. Braces have multiple components and must be protected from damage—and daily hygiene matters because braces create places bacteria can collect.
Foods to avoid
- Hard: ice cubes, popcorn kernels, potato chips
- Sticky: taffy, gum, bagels, jerky, caramel
- Sugary: candy, jam/jelly, chocolate, breath mints, soda
- On-the-bone: chicken wings, ribs, corn on the cob
Stick to softer foods for the first few days after braces are placed to optimize comfort.
Protection + follow-through
- Clean around braces: brush after meals/snacks and floss daily.
- Sports: wear a braces-safe mouthguard; even non-contact sports can cause injuries and broken wires.
- Fix breaks fast: loose brackets/bands and broken archwires can prolong treatment time.
- Appointments matter: attend scheduled adjustments and follow instructions closely.
Brushing & Flossing with Braces
Proper hygiene with brackets and wires is essential—otherwise plaque buildup can lead to gum inflammation and tooth decay.
Brushing routine
- If possible, brush after every snack; if not, aim ~4 times/day (after breakfast, lunch, dinner, and before bed).
- Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush; braces fray bristles—replace brushes more often.
- Use fluoride toothpaste; clean all tooth surfaces (outside, between, chewing).
- Brush front surfaces at a 45° angle at the gumline using gentle circular motions.
- Use a proxabrush (“Christmas tree brush”) between brackets, then rinse with mouthwash.
Flossing technique
- Floss is still crucial—even if it takes longer—because food and plaque can fuel bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth loss.
- Use floss threaders or wrap floss around fingers; thread under the archwire first.
- Move floss up/down along the tooth surface carefully around brackets/wire.
- Between teeth, use gentle “sawing” motions from gumline down and back up several times.
- Mild bleeding can happen at first; if it persists for several days, let your dental professional know.
Is It Ever Too Late to Get Braces?
Your site notes that orthodontics is often associated with pre-teens/teens, but adults pursue treatment more than ever—commonly for both function and aesthetics. Most orthodontists agree it’s never too late.
Benefits beyond appearance
- Reduced tooth decay risk: easier hygiene when teeth are aligned.
- Reduced wear and tear: more even chewing forces can help reduce uneven enamel wear.
- Jaw comfort: a comfortable bite can reduce TMJ-related clicking/popping/discomfort.
Common issues braces can address
- Overbite: upper jaw/teeth forward of lower.
- Underbite: lower jaw/teeth forward of upper.
- Overcrowding: insufficient room for adult teeth; sometimes extractions create space.
Braces fall into fixed and removable categories; options may include fixed dental braces, lingual braces, Invisalign®, and retainers after treatment.
Orthodontics FAQs
What is a malocclusion?
What does orthodontic treatment typically involve?
When should kids get an orthodontic evaluation?
Do braces require special care?
Is it too late for adults to get braces?
• AAO – Why age 7 evaluation is commonly recommended: aaoinfo.org
• Cleveland Clinic – Malocclusion overview: my.clevelandclinic.org
We’ll evaluate alignment, explain your options, and map out a clear plan.