There are many different malocclusions that orthodontic treatment aims to treat. Dr. Pavlo is well-versed in treating even the most severe cases. Some of the most common issues that require orthodontic treatment are:
- Crossbite – A crossbite occurs when a patient’s upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. A crossbite can cause teeth to chip and wear down more quickly than usual and it can also lead to lip pain. If you have a posterior crossbite, where the bite is misaligned at the back, this can lead to jaw problems, tooth grinding, and abnormal facial development.
- Crowding is the most common orthodontic issue people experience. When there is not enough room in the mouth for the permanent teeth to properly erupt, overlapping and crowding occur. Crowding can make it difficult to keep the teeth clean as your toothbrush and floss can have difficulty reaching the tightly- overlapped spaces. This issue can lead to decay if not corrected.
- Gaps occur when there is the excessive spacing between teeth. While gaps are most commonly found between the two front teeth, they can happen anywhere in the mouth. Gaps are an issue because they can lead to gingivitis and decay because they leave more gum surfaces exposed to bacteria than would typically be seen.
- Underbites are present when the lower jaw extends out too far, resulting in lower teeth that sit in front of the upper teeth.
- Overbites are characterized by upper front teeth that extend out too far over the lower front teeth. This issue can also lead to the bottom teeth biting into the roof of the mouth.
- Open bites result when the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap at all. This issue can impact chewing and speaking and can be the result of harmful oral habits, such as tongue thrusting.
Different Types of Orthodontic Treatment
There are many different types of orthodontic treatment available. The type of treatment-experienced Peabody Orthodontist Dr. Pavlo will recommend to you will depend on the severity of your issue. Some treatments are better suited for mild to moderate malocclusions, while others are adept at even the most severe malocclusion.
Treatment options include:
Metal braces are the standard in orthodontic treatment because they are highly efficient and effective and can treat even the most severe malocclusions. Ceramic braces work the same as metal braces. Because ceramic braces are made of clear or tooth-colored material, they will blend in better.