Overbites and underbites are orthodontic problems that make it hard to maintain a confident and beautiful smile. In very severe cases, children and teens, in particular, get bullied due to the misalignment of their jaw and teeth. The best way to help your children or yourself is to visit your trusted orthodontist Reston VA based oral health care provider.
However, it doesn’t hurt to know the basics when it comes to the common causes of an underbite and overbite as well as the possible treatment options patients can choose from.
The Common Causes
Children with an overbite or underbite will often inherit this orthodontic issue from one or both of their parents. They are genetic traits but are often enhanced by other factors and habits.
People with smaller jaws will often have issues with teeth overcrowding which will eventually lead to an under or overbite. Habits such as prolonged bottle-feeding and thumb sucking can also lead to these issues as the constant pushing on the teeth will cause misalignment and deformities. Constant tongue thrusting on the back of the teeth can also result in an underbite or overbite.
Treatment Options
Although it can be a difficult road towards correcting these orthodontic problems, there are several options provided by the local orthodontist Reston VA clinic. These are a few examples:
Underbite Treatment
Upper Jaw Expander – One common treatment used for underbites is called an upper jaw expander. An orthodontist will fit a wireframe across the palate of the patient to ensure a perfect fit. Every night the patient must use a special key that will slowly widen the expander. With time, the upper jaw will eventually which prevents the lower teeth from closing against the outer portion of the upper teeth.
The treatment can last up to one year, which will then be followed by braces to ensure the changes stay permanent.
Reverse-Pull Face Mask – At first glance, this device will resemble the headgear braces, despite the similarities they have very different uses. The mask pulls the entire upper jaw back using metal braces that are fastened on the back part of the upper teeth. It can be embarrassing to wear the mask, but the transformation afterward is usually worth it.
Overbite Treatment
Lingual Braces – As for overbites, the treatment will differ from underbite problems. Lingual braces are placed at the back of the teeth where it will gradually shift both the teeth and jaw until they are perfectly aligned.
Self-Litigating Braces – This type of braces makes use of clips instead of the traditional and wasteful elastics. The braces are held in place which minimizes the discomfort, treatment time, and dental visits. This treatment is best used when correcting malocclusion along with crooked teeth.
What’s The Best Treatment?
The only way to determine the best course of treatment for underbites and overbites is to visit an orthodontist. The sooner the treatment can start, the better as the jaw and teeth of younger patients move relatively faster than those of adults. Seek dental treatment for all orthodontic problems as soon as possible to avoid more complications in the future.
If you need an orthodontist Reston VA, contact us today at Stang Family orthodontics. We offer a complete line of services that can help you get that perfect smile back.
