Pediatric Orthodontist in Independence: Here Are 7 Problems With Your Bite That Braces Can Fix
Independence, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, gather ’round! It’s time for a tale of transformation, brought to you by the wizards of the dental world, our very own Lakewood Orthodontics. You see, in the land of Independence, Missouri, and pearly whites, not all bites are created equal. Some are downright rebellious, causing chaos when you’re chomping on an apple or trying to master the pronunciation of “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”
Our heroes at Lakewood Orthodontics, armed with their trusty braces and mighty dental implants, are here to tame those unruly bites. So, sit tight, brace yourself (pun intended), and let’s embark on this tooth-tickling journey of bite correction.
A children’s orthodontist in Independence explains:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
- Crowding
The are the most common types of malocclusions and why someone might need a children’s orthodontist in Independence.
Pediatric Orthodontist in Independence: Excessive Overbite
When the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth, this is called an overbite. Although overbites are uncommon, most people’s upper and lower front teeth overlap slightly. The main reasons for an overbite are frequent use of:
- Baby bottles
- Utensils
- Soothers
- Dietary changes that favor soft foods
Too much of the lower front teeth are hidden by the overly protruding upper jaw. This hinders both speech development and the ability to chew food normally. An overbite will worsen as a child develops if it is not corrected. Surgery to reposition the jawbone can correct an overbite when other methods of treatment have failed. Overbites that are too extreme can:
- Irritate the gums
- Cause tooth decay
- Speed up the loss of enamel
Pediatric Orthodontist in Independence: A Gummy Smile
When the lower front teeth protrude beyond the upper front teeth, this is known as an underbite. Although underbites are fairly common, they can cause problems when biting or speaking. They also tend to have a smaller jaw at the top and wider one at the bottom than average. Underbites are associated with a characteristic lip dip because of this.
Our children’s orthodontist in Independence knows that upper front teeth are hidden by a protruding lower jaw. This may alter a person’s speech pattern or their eating habits. In some cases, the upper jaw is short and curved, while the lower jaw is longer and straighter. Too much force exerted while sucking on a bottle or pacifier is the leading cause of underbite in children. This is a common occurrence during the transition from the loss of baby teeth to the eruption of permanent replacements.
When people are born, their jaws don’t quite line up right, and the result is an underbite. Underbites are more problematic than overbites and are therefore treated at a younger age. Many cases of underbite are treatable with orthodontic treatment that moves the lower jaw forward and widens the arch of the upper teeth.
Pediatric Orthodontist in Independence: Crossbite
A children’s orthodontist in Independence explains that when one or more of the lower teeth are positioned too far forward or backward in relation to the other teeth, this is known as a crossbite. Typically, this is due to a bone that is out of place. If your upper teeth do not meet your lower teeth at a right angle, you may have a condition known as crossbite.
As a leading children’s orthodontist in Independence, we know that the lower jaw is disproportionately long on one side and short on the other. Problems with speech development and mouth closure make it difficult for people with crossbites to eat normally and chew food thoroughly. Surgery to realign the jawbone may be necessary if the issue cannot be remedied in any other way. Both the anterior and posterior crossbite exist.
Pediatric Orthodontist in Independence: Crowding
When a person’s teeth are unable to fit comfortably in their jaw, this condition is known as crowding. Since primary teeth typically erupt before permanent ones, crowding is a common issue. This can lead to crowding of the permanent teeth and subsequent bite issues.
There is a lack of space in the mouth for the teeth. The affected individual may have trouble:
- Biting
- Swallowing
- Closing their mouth
Overcrowding is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Crowding can be dealt with the help of a children’s orthodontist in Independence or braces.
Pediatric Orthodontist in Independence: Mouth Does Not Close Properly
Our children’s orthodontist in Independence explains that when the upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when you close your mouth, that’s called an open bite. When you don’t close your jaw completely when you eat, food particles can get stuck in your teeth and gums.
There is a misalignment between the upper and lower front teeth, making it difficult to chew normally. This can lead to difficulties with swallowing and opening the mouth, and even speech impediments like lisping. An open bite can be brought on by bad habits like thumb sucking or by genetics. Both the front and back teeth are exposed in an open bite.
Pediatric Orthodontist in Independence: Protrusion
The condition, colloquially referred to as “buck teeth,” affects only the upper front teeth. When the teeth stick out too far, they can irritate the lips. Because of this, the teeth are much more likely to break or chip.
When teeth shift position or become crowded, it can disrupt normal chewing and speaking patterns, lead to dry mouth and even alter the appearance of the face. It elongates the features and makes the face look thinner.
Pediatric Orthodontist in Independence: Spacing
You don’t want cavities or gum disease. Proper spacing is crucial when:
- Teeth are absent
- Teeth are too small
- When the jaws are too large
- When gapping occurs
Children’s orthodontists in Independence say braces may be necessary for an overbite.
Pediatric Orthodontist in Independence: Is It Possible to Fix Bite Issues as an Adult?
Braces, dental implants, and surgery are the three primary choices. The majority of adults with bite issues are treated with traditional braces. They are useful for front teeth alignment and fixing gaps or overlaps. Titanium dental implants in Independence are artificial tooth roots that are cemented into place to replace missing teeth. When placed surgically in the jawbone in front of individual teeth, implants can also be used to correct an overbite or underbite.
Pediatric Orthodontist in Independence: When should you see an orthodontist?
The orthodontist in Independence can determine if your bite is normal by looking at your teeth and examining the shape of your face. Issues with the teeth aren’t always the source of a bad bite. Problems can arise for a number of reasons, including an abnormality in the lower jawbone and difficulties with the way your mouth moves. The Independence orthodontist can examine your teeth and jaws and see if there are any problems.
If the children’s orthodontist in Independence determines that the bite problem can be treated, he or she will recommend a course of action. The orthodontist can coordinate care with other medical professionals if necessary.
Pediatric Orthodontist in Independence: What Can I Do to Keep My Bite Healthy?
Regular checkups and cleanings with a children’s orthodontist in Independence are the best defense against bite issues. Every six months, you should have a dental hygienist clean your teeth and check for any signs of trouble. Your dentist will examine your:
- Teeth
- Gums
- Mouth
Your pediatric orthodontist in Independence will diagnose any issues and suggest a course of action to correct them.
At Lakewood Orthodontics, your orthodontist in Independence we appreciate the significance of a perfect smile and treat you like part of our family. Our objective is to provide beautiful, healthy smiles that will last a lifetime using cutting-edge orthodontic care in a fun, family-friendly environment. We offer various treatment options, including traditional braces, clear ceramic braces, hidden braces, and Invisalign to accommodate every individual’s needs and preferences.
Dr. Ravi Rajanna, a clear aligner orthodontist in Independence collaborates with your general dentist to encourage routine dental care and good oral hygiene at home. We’re proud of our flexible scheduling and affordable treatment options, including no-interest payment plans. Furthermore, we accept direct payment for most insurance plans. Our practice prioritizes safety and comfort, ensuring the highest level of protection for our patients through our sterilization procedures.
Call us at (816) 373-0300 to book your appointment!
If you’re in the Independence area and seeking a reliable orthodontist, Lakewood Orthodontics is the place for you. Our wide range of services includes clear aligner orthodontics, children’s orthodontics, pediatric orthodontics, adolescent orthodontics, adult braces, empower braces, snoring treatment, sleep apnea treatment, retainers, clear braces in Independence, ceramic braces, white braces, Damon braces, and or lingual braces in Independence. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule your consultation and embark on your journey towards the perfect smile you’ve always desired!
