What is the Purpose of a Lip and Cheek Bumper?

Lip and cheek bumpers are custom orthodontic devices that are used during orthodontic treatment for misaligned teeth. They are most commonly used in cases where teeth protrude or where there is a significant gap between the upper and lower teeth.

This article covers the key aspects of lip and cheek bumpers, including their purpose, function, necessary use cases, and management guidelines.

The 101 on lip and cheek bumpers

Lip and cheek bumpers are used to create space in the mouth, especially in cases where teeth are overcrowded. They also help to maintain space after teeth extraction, prevent the upper teeth from biting behind the lower teeth, and correct bite problems.

The orthodontist first takes impressions of the patient’s teeth and mouth, which are used to create a custom-fit appliance. The appliance is then cemented onto the patient’s molars in the back of the mouth.

Children and teenagers most commonly need lip and cheek bumpers. However, adults may also need them in some cases. The orthodontist determines if they are necessary based on the patient’s specific dental needs.

How do lip and cheek bumpers work?

Lip and cheek bumpers guide the teeth into their proper positions. They create space between the patient’s lips and cheeks and the teeth, which allows for the teeth to move without obstruction. This space can also prevent the teeth from rotating or moving inward, helping to create a more even bite.

Lip and cheek bumpers can be used together with braces to align teeth by creating space between the patient’s lips and cheeks and the teeth. Additionally, they can be used with headgear, which helps to pull the teeth and jaw into alignment.

Wearing a lip and cheek bumper will feel different in the mouth and may cause discomfort or soreness, increased saliva production, and initial difficulty speaking or pronouncing certain words. These are normal changes as the mouth adjusts to the appliance, and the discomfort subsides over time.

How to manage and maintain lip and cheek bumpers?

Dental hygiene

Brush and floss twice a day to prevent decay and gum disease. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and incorporate fluoride toothpaste to clean the teeth and braces gently. Interdental brushes or water flossers can help clean hard-to-reach areas.

Please refrain from using toothpicks or other sharp objects near the bumpers, as they can cause damage or dislodgment to the bumpers.

Avoid these food items

Hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods can damage the appliance or cause it to come loose. This food includes hard candy, popcorn, nuts, gum, caramel, taffy, and anything that requires excessive chewing or biting.

Eat soft foods like mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables, soup, yogurt, and pudding. Some other great options include scrambled eggs, soft fruits like bananas or berries, and well-cooked pasta or rice.

How to manage discomfort?

Use over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen, to reduce inflammation and soreness. With any addition of medication, always consult your doctor and orthodontist. Another great way to manage discomfort is by applying orthodontic wax to cover any sharp or irritating parts of the bumper. To further address safety and comfort, we recommend wearing a mouthguard when playing sports to protect the bumpers and teeth from damage.

It is highly recommended not to play with the bumpers using the tongue or fingers, as this can also cause them to become dislodged.

If the lip bumper becomes dented or damaged, visit an orthodontist as soon as possible. The bumper may need to be adjusted or replaced to prevent any further damage.

 

Lip and cheek bumpers are typically worn for several months to a few years, depending on the severity of the teeth misalignment. They can help achieve improved tooth alignment and a more even bite, which can improve overall oral health and appearance.

However, the effectiveness of the bumpers also depends on the patient’s commitment to wearing them as directed and maintaining good oral hygiene.

Are you interested in learning about orthodontic treatments? Contact Woodlawn Orthodontics today!

Is it Too Late to Correct My Smile?

There are many reasons why smile correction was a second thought. Maybe families couldn’t include straight teeth solutions as part of their budget when they were kids. Perhaps their teeth didn’t begin to shift until they grew up. Either way, many people are now considering adult orthodontic treatment options to correct their smiles. Fixing your teeth can improve your aesthetic appeal as well as your overall physical health. So yes, there is always time to correct and restore your smile!

Let’s talk about orthodontic options

When it comes to adult orthodontic treatment options, Invisalign and ceramic braces are the most popular. Let’s look at them closely to identify which one is right for you.

Invisalign treatment to straighten your teeth

Invisalign treatment uses custom-made braces that straighten your teeth over time. The clear braces or aligners cover your teeth and slowly but steadily pull them into the proper position. These aligners can be removed whenever you wish, and they have no metal wire or brackets either, making them less noticeable compared to traditional metal braces.

Invisalign is among the best straight teeth solutions for those with misaligned teeth. It is also ideal for those with improper bites, which not affect your appearance but also causes jaw discomfort. In addition, since Invisalign aligners are clear, you can smile freely even when undergoing treatment, with nothing in your teeth to hinder your smile.

One of the main reasons Invisalign is preferred among adults is the shorter treatment time compared to regular braces. It only takes a few months for Invisalign treatment to align your teeth perfectly and bring out a naturally beautiful smile.

Ceramic braces to correct your smile

Ceramic braces are the other popular adult orthodontic treatment options. They come in shades that match the colour of your teeth and are far less noticeable compared to traditional braces. These braces do, however, consist of arch-wire and brackets and work similarly to traditional metal braces.

If you are considering straight teeth solutions, ceramic braces are less expensive compared to Invisalign treatment. However, fixing your teeth and correcting your smile takes between 12 and 36 months with this orthodontic treatment option. You will also have to maintain orthodontic visits at regular intervals of time to tighten the wire. On the bright side, ceramic braces are more durable, stain-resistant, and less irritating than traditional metal braces.

How to prepare

When preparing for adult orthodontic treatment, it is essential to consult with a reputed orthodontist and ask any questions you may have about straight teeth solutions. You must be prepared for some challenges over the course of the treatment. Sometimes, orthodontic treatments take longer than expected, so it is also best to keep that in mind. Each orthodontic case is different and depends on individual goals and oral health.

Before starting the treatment, it is advised that you start with a dental cleaning. Pay close attention to your oral care and hygiene during and after treatment. You may even have to wear a retainer to maintain your smile, but preparing in advance will eventually give you something to smile about.

 

Our teeth shift as we age, but there’s always something we can do about it. Adult orthodontic treatments will correct your teeth and make you smile confidently, no matter how old you are. Schedule your start date when you are ready to undertake your smile journey. For more information, contact Woodlawn Orthodontics today!

The Difference Between the Many Straight Teeth Solutions

Orthodontic treatments have evolved dramatically over the past couple of decades. There are several orthodontic treatments to consider these days, like ceramic braces, self-adjusting braces, and Invisalign treatment. Whether you have crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth, these orthodontic solutions are designed to correct your dental issues and enhance your smile effectively. In today’s article, we will take a closer look at some of the most popular straight teeth solutions out there.

Ceramic braces

Also known as clear braces, ceramic braces work similarly to metal braces. However, the ligatures, brackets, and wires are tooth- or enamel-coloured, making them blend seamlessly with your smile. They are ideal for fixing bite problems and straightening your teeth.

The main advantage is that though they are visible, ceramic braces are less noticeable, so they hardly detract from your smile. But, they are prone to breakage as they are less durable than metal braces. Ceramic braces are also harder to clean and maintain, thereby increasing your regular oral care time.

Self-adjusting braces

Self-ligating braces, as they are also called self-adjusting braces, deploy an inbuilt system through which the arch wire is secured to the brackets. Instead of using metal ties or tiny elastic bands (ligatures), these braces use a different method to reposition your teeth and jaws. Self-adjusting braces can use active or passive brackets. Active brackets deploy a sliding spring clip that applies an active force on the arch wire. The sliding mechanism used in passive brackets is simple, and there is no pressure on the arch wire. One of the main advantages of self-adjusting braces is that they are less painful compared to their traditional counterparts. They are also easy to clean and require fewer and shorter visits to the orthodontist.

Traditional metal braces

Traditional metal braces are among the earliest orthodontic treatments for crooked teeth. An excellent solution for extremely crowded teeth, they deploy wires, brackets, and stainless-steel bands that gently move your teeth into the desired or proper position over time. While traditional metal braces are less expensive than most other orthodontic treatments, their main drawback is that they are obvious, thereby affecting your smile. Another disadvantage of these braces is that they must be tightened every four to six weeks, so you will have to visit the orthodontic office more frequently.

Invisalign

Among the modern orthodontic treatments, Invisalign straightens your teeth without using metal braces. Instead, it deploys custom-made ceramic/plastic braces to cover your teeth and slowly but steadily pull them into the desired position. Since they are clear and easily removable, Invisalign braces or aligners are less noticeable in comparison with traditional braces. They do not hinder your smile and work twice as fast as traditional braces to straighten your teeth. Invisalign treatment is ideal for those with mild to moderately misaligned teeth.

 

Dental braces are designed to straighten your teeth and beautify your smile. In addition to the aesthetics, they also improve the overall health as well as the functionality of your teeth. Dental braces also make your oral care regime easier while preventing gum disease and cavities. It is essential to consult with your dentist to identify which orthodontic treatments are right for you.

The Connection Between Your Jaw and Migraine Headaches

Problems with your jaw can cause migraines and similar headaches. Even though the pain is felt at the side or the top of the head, it may also persist in your ear and jaw. It is for this reason that jaw alignment is considered among the top orthodontic solutions, as it corrects your jaw and eliminates pain caused by it.

In this article, Woodlawn Orthodontics and Health Match, with reviewer Davi Santana, M.Sc, discuss the correlation between jaw pain and headaches. (HealthMatch, How are Migraines Associated With Jaw Pain?, written by HealthMatch staff, Medically reviewed by Davi Santana, M.Sc., https://healthmatch.io/migraine/migraine-jaw-pain ).

Understanding the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and how it causes headaches

Health Match discusses the temporomandibular joint and what it does. Woodlawn Orthodontics explains, “A temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is present on both sides of the head. It enables the jaw’s movement, allowing you to open your mouth.”

According to Health Match, similar to other joints, your TMJ can also develop issues over time. Woodlawn Orthodontics adds, “TMJ headaches may be caused by several different conditions affecting your temporomandibular joint. Whether it is joint hypermobility or tooth grinding, the pain caused by a TMJ headache spreads from your jaw and affects other parts of your head.”

Both Health Match and Woodlawn Dental agree that it can be challenging to differentiate a TMJ headache or migraine from other headaches. “Sometimes, the jaw pain caused by migraines is a result of a TMJ headache spreading to the jaw, typically on just one side,” reveals Woodlawn Orthodontics.

Identifying the signs of TMJ headaches

Health Match notes that there are signs that can help identify whether a migraine or headache is related to TMJ. It stresses the pain caused by jaw activity, the grinding of teeth during headaches, and other signs. It also suggests a ‘pencil test’ to identify a TMJ headache.

“If you experience pain following jaw activity such as eating chewy or crunchy foods, the headache is possibly caused by your TMJ. Also, check if your head hurts when your teeth are clenched or if your jaw remains tight during a headache. These may be signs of a TMJ headache,” states Woodlawn Orthodontics. They add,” One of the best ways to identify a TMJ headache is by using a pencil. Just hold it between your teeth without applying any kind of pressure on your jaw. If there is a noticeable change in the headache, it is likely a TMJ headache.”

Some of the common signs of a TMJ headache that require orthodontics for adults include popping or clicking sounds during jaw movement. Ringing in your ears, stiff jaw, and changes in your bite are all signs of TMJ headaches, they agree.

Woodlawn Orthodontics advises, “If you notice any of these signs, it is highly recommended to consider jaw alignment or orthodontics for adults.”

Can TMJ issues be treated?

Health Match states that, albeit rare, there are two popular surgical orthodontic solutions for TMJ headaches: Arthrocentesis and Arthroscopy. “In arthrocentesis, a needle pushes a liquid into the joint. This causes the ejection of substances and adhesions that cause inflammation. Arthroscopy uses the same technique with the addition of a camera for adhesion removal,” explains Woodlawn Orthodontics.

Woodlawn Orthodontics warns, “Although conservative treatments can fix most TMJ problems, getting a dentist’s diagnosis is crucial to understanding how to proceed. Migraines and TMJ headaches sometimes don’t react to certain oral or topical treatments, making it crucial to consider long-lasting orthodontic solutions,” it concludes.

 

Both Health Match and Woodlawn Orthodontics agree that the temporomandibular joint can cause migraines and headaches. However, there are orthodontic solutions such as jaw alignment or orthodontics for adults to correct the joint and prevent the pain from spreading to your head. All you have to do, they advise, is to consult a dentist before seeking treatment.

Top Reasons to Correct Your Underbite

An underbite is a medical condition where the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth, resulting in the lower jaw protruding. If left untreated, it can result in medical and dental complications. An underbite can negatively affect your overall health in various ways. It can lead to problems such as difficulty in speaking and chewing. Additionally, it can lead to more severe conditions like sleep apnea and TMJ disorder.

If you are looking for underbite solutions, then keep on reading. This article covers dental treatment options for an underbite, including jaw alignment and orthodontic treatments.

The development of an underbite

The term “underbite” refers to a dental condition whereby the lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw, resulting in an overlap between the lower and upper front teeth.

Types of underbites

As far as underbites are concerned, there are two types: dental underbites and skeletal underbites.

A dental underbite is a result of wrong jaw alignment; the lower teeth are positioned in front of the upper teeth, resulting in a dental underbite. Skeletal underbites occur when the lower jaw projects further than the upper jaw.

Factors contributing to the development of an underbite

Several factors, including genetics, thumb sucking, prolonged use of pacifiers, mouth breathing, and tongue thrusting, can cause an underbite.

If you have an underbite, you may notice some common characteristics. They include overlapping lower and upper teeth, a prominent chin, and discomfort while speaking, chewing, or biting. You may face difficulty closing your mouth or shifting the jaw while opening or closing the mouth. These signs indicate that it’s essential to opt for orthodontic treatments to seek underbite solutions.

Complications of an underbite

Teeth that have underbites can be more susceptible to plaque and bacteria build-up, which can, in turn, lead to gum disease or even tooth decay. This build-up of dental plaque can be problematic as it can be difficult to remove through regular brushing and flossing, making it challenging to maintain good oral hygiene.

Apart from oral health concerns, underbites can also cause snoring, sleep apnea, and mouth breathing. Headaches are another common problem associated with underbites. When the jaw is misaligned, it can put a strain on the muscles, causing discomfort and headaches.

Speech difficulties may also arise due to underbites. Additionally, underbites can cause temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in some cases, which can cause limited jaw movement and pain.

When teeth are not aligned correctly, cleaning them properly can make it challenging, leading to bacteria build-up and halitosis.

Overall, it is crucial to address underbites as they can cause various oral and overall health concerns.

A quick guide to underbite solutions

Some of the most common underbite solutions include a palatal expander, Invisalign, jaw surgery, and traditional braces.

By using clear aligners, Invisalign gradually shifts teeth into their correct position. In case of a severe underbite, jaw alignment surgery is usually recommended to realign the jawbones. Moreover, you can also opt for traditional braces that employ brackets and wires that are designed to gradually move the teeth into the correct position by applying pressure to them. A palatal expander is also one of the most recommended orthodontic appliance treatments that enlarge the upper jaw to allow the teeth to shift correctly.

 

Keeping your teeth healthy requires correcting an underbite. In order to avoid further dental and medical complications, orthodontic treatment should be sought as soon as possible. To correct an underbite and improve your overall oral health, use orthodontic solutions like Invisalign, jaw surgery, and braces. Contact Woodlawn Orthodontics today for more information!

 

Common Reasons You Need to Visit an Orthodontist

An orthodontist is different from your typical dentist. Unlike a regular dentist who cleans teeth and looks after oral health, an orthodontist specializes in correcting bite and jaw irregularities. Here’s a look at how you can benefit from seeing an orthodontist on a regular basis – regardless of your age.

Preventing: Prevent future dental problems

 Teeth and jaw problems can develop as early as eight years old, but an orthodontist can help you whether you are eight, 18, or 80.

Overcrowding teeth, overbites, and underbites are some problems that can be detected and treated promptly with corrective orthodontic solutions.

Correcting: Function and aesthetics

Corrective orthodontics can help with both functional and cosmetic periodontal issues. Here are some common teeth and jaw problems that can be corrected when treated on time. Remember that the sooner a problem is identified and treated, the better the outcome.

Misaligned jaw correction

A misaligned jaw can be painful and make chewing difficult. With the help of corrective orthodontics (fixed/removable dental braces), your orthodontist can fix any jaw misalignment without surgery.

Bite correction

Large gaps between your teeth can be unsightly and cause bite issues. Bite issues can alter the shape of your face and cause headaches, clenching, speech difficulties, and grinding. Crossbite, open bite, overbite, and underbite are all issues that can affect anyone at any age. If you notice a problem or change in your bite, you should immediately see an orthodontist.

Crooked and crowded teeth

Teeth are best treated early, but an orthodontist can help fix crooked teeth even in adulthood with braces that suit your lifestyle.

Overcrowding of teeth in your mouth can make it very hard to clean your teeth thoroughly and cause gum problems. An orthodontist can extract a tooth or two and then have you wear braces to close the gap.

Teeth shift – due to periodontitis

Loose teeth or teeth that shift their position are a sign of severe periodontal disease – inflammation of the tissue surrounding the teeth. As the infection spreads, the roots of the teeth are left vulnerable. There may be bone loss around the teeth. All that can cause your teeth to shift. Fortunately, your orthodontist can save your teeth from periodontal disease – but the problem must first be treated and diagnosed.

Improving: Quality of life

 Eating

Properly aligned teeth allow you to chew your food well with equal pressure exerted from the teeth on the upper and lower jaws.

Sleeping

Overcrowding and crooked teeth can cause sleep disturbances and problems like sleep apnea and bruxism. Getting your teeth straightened out can lead to improved sleep.

Breathing

Uneven teeth and misaligned jaws can make it difficult to close your mouth when you sleep and breathe through your nose. As a result, you might end up breathing through your mouth as you sleep – a problem that can be corrected with corrective orthodontics.

Making oral hygiene easier – Why is this essential 

Good oral hygiene is critical for your oral health to keep away harmful bacteria and plaque, infections, gum disease, and tooth infections. It can also lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. A well-aligned set of teeth can ensure it’s easier to look after your teeth, mouth, and gums.

Self-esteem

Healthy teeth can make you feel confident about your smile, and smiling helps release endorphins and increase your level of happiness in life.

 

Seeing your orthodontist at any age can help prevent future dental problems. Preventive orthodontics can keep teeth and jaw problems from getting worse, while corrective orthodontics can reduce bone loss around teeth and save your teeth and smile. Don’t put off seeing your orthodontist; begin any necessary orthodontic treatment as soon as possible to preserve and protect your teeth and smile.

 

Can I Leave My Crooked Teeth Alone?

When you’re dealing with crooked teeth, you could end up experiencing various functional and aesthetic issues. When your teeth are misaligned, it isn’t just how you look that’s affected, but also how you feel.

There are various health-related conditions you might find yourself dealing with when you have crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatments can help you straighten your teeth and restore your smile. But before you start looking into straight teeth solutions, let’s look at why you should fix your crooked teeth.

Why You May Want to Consider Correcting Crooked Teeth

You could find yourself dealing with various health issues when you have crooked teeth. You’re more likely to get periodontal disease, where your gums and teeth are affected. This is because when your teeth are crooked, cleaning between them becomes more difficult.

This leads to the buildup of plaque between the teeth. As a result, harmful bacteria can more easily multiply in your mouth. You could also have speech issues, as crooked teeth might prevent you from pronouncing words correctly.

People who have crooked teeth also deal with self-esteem issues. They aren’t able to smile openly and can end up feeling self-conscious while talking. A lot of people have crooked teeth because they have a misaligned jaw. This can be corrected with orthodontic treatments. If you have a misaligned jaw, your upper and lower teeth could protrude. This could result in them rubbing together. When this happens, chewing becomes challenging, and dental fractures or enamel erosion can also occur.

When you have crooked teeth, you could also experience TMJ disorder. This uncomfortable jaw issue affects the face, shoulders, and neck.

TMJ disorders affect people whose jaw and the hinge joint have experienced a lot of wear and tear.

Whether your teeth are rubbing together or your jaw muscles are under pressure for long periods of time, these can cause headaches.

Why Are Crooked Teeth So Common?

There are several factors that could cause people to get crooked teeth. Bad oral habits are one of them. Dental markers that cause crooked teeth often come from genetics. Sometimes, having a small mouth could also cause the teeth to be crowded.

If you have a misaligned jaw, then this could also lead to crooked teeth. This is because the teeth can’t stay in their normal position properly. What you eat is also essential. If you aren’t getting proper nutrition, then this can affect your oral health condition over time. Consuming excessive amounts of soft food over many years can affect your jaw muscle and size. This can, in turn, cause you to develop crooked teeth.

Finally, injury or trauma to the face can also cause people to develop crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatments can help people fix their crooked teeth. So what are the straight teeth solutions that are available to you?

Top Treatment Options for Crooked Teeth

If you have crooked teeth, various orthodontic treatments are available to you. The first of these is Invisalign.

Invisalign braces are incredibly convenient. They are comfortable to wear and easy to put on or remove. Invisalign braces are clear plastic trays that help shift your teeth slowly over time.

You can also consider getting traditional metal braces. These are made of brackets and can be slightly bulky. Some people experience discomfort when they use traditional metal braces. Traditional metal braces are the strongest of the straight teeth solutions available to you. If you have complex problems with biting or your teeth are overcrowded, traditional metal braces can help you.

The third option is ceramic braces. These are similar to traditional metal braces, but they have the same colour as your natural teeth, making them almost invisible. This is why ceramic braces are more popular than metal braces. Another option is retainers. You can get either removable or fixed retainers.

 

There are various straight teeth solutions available to fix crooked teeth. When you have crooked teeth, you may experience various oral health-related conditions. It can affect your self-esteem as well. With the help of straight teeth solutions like Invisalign, ceramic braces, retainers, and more, you can fix your crooked teeth easily. Contact Woodlawn Orthodontics today for more information!

Common Reasons Why Your Teeth Shift After Dental Procedures

James Roland has explained various reasons why teeth shift over time and what we can do to control this. In this article, Woodlawn Orthodontics decodes James Roland’s points, adding a few of their own. Read on to know more.  (Source: Healthline, Why Teeth Shift After Dental Procedures and Over Time, By James Roland, Medically reviewed by Rooz Khosravi, DMD, PhD, MSD, November 11, 2020, https://www.healthline.com/health/teeth-shifting ).

Why do teeth shift even after orthodontic treatments?

James Roland explains that your teeth are in a constant state of movement, even if it’s not visible to the naked eye. This shift continues gradually throughout your life, even after you have undergone orthodontic treatments like wearing a retainer or braces for misaligned teeth.

Woodlawn Orthodontics elaborates, “Individuals with a fixed or lingual retainer may experience some degree of tooth movement. This is a retainer that is bonded to the teeth after orthodontic treatments. After braces, teeth may shift due to your gums and jawbone health. Suppose gum disease or any other health issues have resulted in bone loss. In that case, it becomes difficult for the teeth to remain firmly anchored in their position.”

Other reasons why teeth shift

According to James Roland, there are many other reasons for teeth shifting. These include misaligned teeth, tooth extraction, tooth loss, teeth grinding, gum disease, and jawbone growth. James Roland also mentions that tooth shifting is a side-effect noticed by people undergoing CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure therapy.

“Your teeth are subjected to various pressures and stresses throughout the day, even from simple activities like talking or pressing your tongue against your teeth to produce specific sounds. The muscles involved in facial expressions like smiling, sneezing, and coughing also add more pressure to your teeth,” adds Woodlawn Orthodontics.

“While these stressors may cause slight changes in tooth alignment, they could be significant enough to warrant braces in adulthood. In addition, other more substantial factors could contribute to tooth movement over time. Nevertheless, there are ways to manage teeth shifting with orthodontics for all ages,” Woodlawn Orthodontics reiterates.

How to control teeth shifting

James Roland advises that teeth shifting can be controlled by using a removable retainer after you stop wearing braces. There are treatments available in orthodontics for all ages. You could also adapt orthodontic solutions like fixed retainers if you have a higher tendency of teeth shifting. James Roland shares that maintaining good dental hygiene and addressing bad habits like teeth grinding can also help control teeth movement.

Woodlawn Orthodontics agrees, “Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. This can prevent tooth loss and reduce the risk of teeth shifting. Avoiding bad habits and addressing dental issues is a big help. If you have misaligned teeth, crooked or crowded teeth, orthodontic solutions can help straighten them and prevent shifting.”

 

James Roland explains that throughout your life, your teeth may undergo imperceptible or significant movement as a result of experiencing orthodontic solutions. This movement may necessitate the attention of a dentist or orthodontist.

“There are solutions in orthodontics for all ages,” believes Woodlawn Orthodontics. “Consistently wearing a retainer after braces removal is one way to minimize shifting. Another important step is to maintain good dental hygiene. Regular visits to the dentist can help identify changes in your bite or smile, enabling earlier rather than later intervention,” concludes Woodlawn Orthodontics.

The 101 on Overbites

When the upper teeth extend over the lower set, it is called an overbite or, colloquially, ‘buck teeth.’ Overbite may or may not impair your jaw alignment. However, when it is severe enough, an overbite can cause a number of problems, including tooth decay or even speech impairment. This condition is corrected with traditional braces, ceramic braces, a retainer, or by even more aesthetic methods like Invisalign treatment.

The classifications of an overbite

Some overbites require orthodontic treatments, while others are minor enough to ignore. A severe overbite (called class 2 malocclusion) is when there is a significant gap of several millimetres between the two, even when your jaw is clenched. A slight overbite is when there is very little gap (class 1 malocclusion).

There is another classification, too – skeletal and dental overbite. When the jaw cannot accommodate all the teeth or is too big for your teeth, you may have a skeletal overbite. When jaw alignment is perfect, but the two sets of teeth are not aligned, you have a dental overbite.

Overbite vs. overjets

Often, people confuse overbite and overjet. In both cases, you have the upper teeth jutting over the lower. With an overbite, however, your upper teeth come in front of or over the lower. Overjet is when the upper set protrudes at an angle past the lower set.

Both may affect jaw alignment, and both may also require orthodontic treatments like traditional braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign to correct if severe.

Causes, symptoms, and complications

Causes and symptoms

A skeletal overbite resulting from genetic factors can pave the way for a dental overbite or worsen it. There are other causative facts for overbites, too, starting with the shape of the jaw and the number of teeth in total. Too many teeth cause overcrowding; too few leave too much gap in between. Missing teeth also result in gaps.

Early childhood habits like thumb sucking or long-term bottle or pacifier use contribute to overbites. So do school-age habits like chewing nails or other hard objects like pencils or pens.

Those who are used to breathing through the mouth or unconsciously thrusting the tongue against the front/ top teeth also develop overbites.

Complications

When an overbite is not addressed with appropriate orthodontic treatments, it can lead to many complications. Common ones like enamel erosion, tooth decay, and gum infections are not the only outcomes. You can also develop headaches and jaw pain or difficulty speaking clearly. Apart from these, chewing difficulties and sleep apnea are lesser-known consequences of severe untreated overbites.

Correcting an overbite

To avert complications and enjoy a beautiful smile, the overbite must be treated correctly. Traditional braces are the age-old treatment for an overbite. They keep the teeth in place by applying the right pressure consistently. However, they are quite visible when you smile or talk. A better alternative is Ceramic braces. A less visible option, these have transparent material holding your teeth in place. These are less apparent to the eye. A retainer is used to keep the teeth in the proper position after the overbite has been corrected using braces.

Invisalign – The popular choice 

Invisalign treatment is growing by leaps and bounds in popularity. Invisalign is clear and invisible against your teeth. An experienced, licensed orthodontist can give you the most effective overbite treatment with Invisalign without compromising aesthetics.

 

An overbite may or may not lead to pain and discomfort. A severe overbite should be corrected even if you do not feel anything because of it. If you have chosen the popular Invisalign treatment for this, make sure you pick a licensed, qualified, and experienced orthodontist to get the most effective solutions. You may also go with braces or retainers. Are you interested in correcting your smile? Contact Woodlawn Orthodontics today!

Top Reasons You Are Experiencing Dental Crowding

Are you experiencing overcrowding of teeth? It is essential to address dental crowding immediately. It can affect not only the appearance of the teeth but also your overall oral health.

The 101 on overcrowded teeth

 

What is overcrowding

Overcrowding of teeth is a common orthodontic problem where there is insufficient space in the mouth to accommodate all of the teeth. This can cause the teeth to become crooked, misaligned, or overlap each other.

Types of overcrowding

There are three types of teeth overcrowding:

Dental crowding – when there is not enough space in the jaw to accommodate all of the teeth.

Dental protrusion – when the upper teeth protrude forward or stick out too far in front of the lower teeth.

Dental spacing – when there is too much space between the teeth.

Degrees of overcrowding

There are different degrees of teeth overcrowding, ranging from mild to severe. Mild overcrowding is when the teeth are slightly crooked or crowded, and there is only a small amount of overlap. Moderate overcrowding is when the teeth are more crowded, and severe overcrowding is when the teeth are twisted or rotated, and there is significant overlap.

Signs you are experiencing overcrowding

Protruding or overlapping of teeth, bite problems, and pain or discomfort in the jaws are a few signs that could be caused due to overcrowding of teeth.

 

Reasons you may be experiencing overcrowding

There are several reasons for teeth overcrowding. A few common causes are genetics, early loss of baby teeth, small jaw, or impacted teeth. Certain habits like thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, or prolonged use of pacifiers can lead to overcrowding because they affect the growth and development of the teeth and jaw.

 

Overcrowding solutions

It’s essential to address teeth overcrowding as it can lead to various dental problems, including difficulty in cleaning teeth, an increased risk of gum disease, and a higher chance of developing cavities.

 

Let’s take a look at overcrowding solutions:

Invisalign

Invisalign is one of the most common and popular orthodontic treatments that can help fix teeth overcrowding. Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners that are custom-made to fit over the teeth and gradually move them into their proper position. It is convenient to use, helps create space, and aligns teeth.

Traditional braces

Traditional braces can be an effective treatment option for severe cases of tooth overcrowding, where more tooth movement is required. Treatment with traditional braces typically takes 18-24 months. Still, the duration of treatment can vary depending on the severity of the overcrowding.

Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces function in the same manner as traditional braces, but they are less noticeable, as the brackets and wires are either clear or tooth-coloured. This makes them a popular choice for adults or older teens who may be self-conscious about wearing braces. Ceramic braces are amongst the orthodontic treatments suggested for moderate cases of teeth overcrowding.

Retainers

In some cases, teeth tend to shift back into their original positions after orthodontic treatment. Wearing retainers can help prevent this and keep the teeth in their new, corrected positions. Retainers can also be used to make minor adjustments to the position of the teeth. This can be helpful in cases of mild teeth overcrowding.

 

 

Here at Woodlawn Orthodontics, we specialize in orthodontic treatments for teeth overcrowding and much more. They offer customized solutions for Invisalign, traditional braces, ceramic braces, and retainers. Contact us today for your evaluation and treatment plan.