Occlusion is the way your teeth meet and align. When your jaw is closed, the top surfaces of your molars should align, and the upper teeth should rest above the lower teeth. If there is a misalignment, it is referred to as malocclusion and can result in serious complications with oral health.
Dr. Isaac Perle and the team at Cambridge Dental Group understand that your smile is important and when you have malocclusion, you may not feel as confident as you’d like. That is why we offer orthodontic solutions such as Invisalign and Invisalign Teen.
There are several orthodontic issues that can be treated with Invisalign or Invisalign Teen.
Underbite: when lower teeth overlap upper teeth, ranges in severity from mild to severe, and can cause difficulty eating, TMJ pain, speaking, tooth decay, halitosis, sleep apnea, and so much more.
Crossbite: when some of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of the outside, often genetic- but may be due to prolonged thumb/pacifier-sucking, oversized tonsils/adenoids, or delayed loss of baby teeth.
Overbite: when upper teeth protrude past lower teeth and, in some cases, completely cover them. While it can be hereditary, it may also be the result of certain habits children develop such as thumb/pacifier-sucking, prolonged bottle use, or tongue thrusting.
Gapped teeth: spacing issues between teeth can occur anywhere in the mouth but are most obvious in the front teeth. This causes the teeth to not fit properly in the jaw. In pediatric patients, gaps may disappear once permanent teeth come in. Some gaps are very mild and barely noticeable, while others are large.
Overcrowding: when teeth are crowded, it can be difficult to practice proper oral hygiene, which makes teeth more susceptible to decay and gum disease due to bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup.
Open Bite: an open bite describes a condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed. This may be due to genetics and typically will correct around the age of 4. However, children may develop an open bite when they have both baby teeth and permanent teeth and too much jawbone growth. In some cases, TMJ or childhood habits may cause an open bite to develop.
If you or your child has any of the above orthodontic issues, it’s important to contact our clinic as soon as possible. When addressed early, it’s easier to fix these issues without surgery. In some cases, braces or clear aligners are required to fix malocclusion. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Perle today to learn more about your options.
Dr. Perle has been treating patients for more than 35 years. He is a Platinum Invisalign provider. He has performed more than 1,000 Invisalign treatments and is in the top 2% of United States Invisalign dentists.
You may call the office or click here to schedule your Invisalign consultation. We are open Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Friday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We look forward to restoring your smile and improving your confidence.
