Why is orthodontics great for teens?

Most patients will best be treated with one phase of orthodontic treatment taking place in their pre-adolescence or early teens.  During this time period:

• Patients are still growing, so growth discrepancies may still be possible to correct. 

• The bone in the mouth is not as dense as it is in adulthood, so teeth are easier and more comfortable to move.
   
• A full compliment of adult teeth are growing in, or in place, so malocclusions are easily detected, and  definitive treatment can be completed.

• Spontaneous dental changes are minimal, so problems present at this time are unlikely to resolve themselves.

• The patient's peers are often also in treatment, so the patient is often highly motivated.

Common Orthodontic Problems and Treatments

1. Crowding

Crowding occurs when the dimension of the jaws is smaller than the dimension of the teeth.  To align them, space needs to be made.

2. Spacing

Spacing is the opposite problem to crowding.  This occurs when the jaw dimension is larger than that of the teeth.  Treatment involves closing the spaces and fitting the teeth together. 

3. Anterior Crossbite

An anterior crossbite occurs when an upper tooth becomes locked in behind a bottom tooth.  This can be traumatic to the teeth involved, and often leads to wear or fracturing of those teeth.

4. Posterior Crossbite

A posterior crossbite occurs when the upper arch of teeth is too narrow for the bottom teeth.  This can lead to uneven tooth wear and discomfort in the jaw joint.  Correction of this has functional benefits as well as esthetic, as it allows for a broader smile.

5. Deep Bite

If the front top teeth significantly overlap the bottom front teeth, this is called a "deep bite."  This can lock the jaw in an uncomfortable position, can lead to trauma to the gum tissue on the backs of the upper teeth and fronts of lower teeth, and can predispose the patient to excessive wear on their front teeth.

6. Open Bite

An open bite is the opposite problem of a deep bite; this occurs when the front teeth are apart and unable to touch.  Patients with open bites complain that they are unable to adequately bite their food.  Functional problems stem from the fact that only the back few teeth are carrying the load of chewing, when ideally, this function would be spread amongst the dentition. 

7. Class II

"Class II" is a term indicating that the top jaw is forward of the bottom jaw.  Long-term consequences of this malocclusion are uneven wear of teeth, and discomfort from having to bring the bottom jaw forward in order to bite.  Correction of this improves the patient's function as well as esthetics, as the profile attains a new balance.

8. Class III

"Class III" is the counterpart to Class II.  This is when the bottom jaw is forward of the top jaw.  Long-term consequences of this malocclusion include uneven wear of teeth and esthetic concerns. 

9. Midline Discrepancies

"Midline" refers to the right vs. left center of the face, the upper teeth, and the lower teeth.  For optimal esthetics and symmetry, these should be coincident.