Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry concerned with alignment of the teeth and improve appearance. Orthodontics is devoted to building beautiful smiles by bringing teeth, lips, and jaws into proper alignment. Straight teeth function better, are easier to clean, and are more likely to last your lifetime.

Because crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth loss can result. Other orthodontic problems include abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints. These can lead to chronic headaches and face or neck pain. Orthodontic treatment by Dr. Anu Isaac can be less costly than the additional care required for treating dental problems arising as a result of orthodontic problems. For most people however a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After your braces come off, you will feel more self-confident.

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. Adults may have experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may require periodontal treatment before, during and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable.

Invisalign® works in a way that is similar to brackets and archwires by moving the teeth with invisable aligners to an appropriate place by applying a controlled force on the teeth. However, Invisalign® differs from other teeth straightening devices in that not only does it control the amount of force that is placed on the patient’s teeth, Invisalign® also controls the timing of the force application. Only certain teeth are allowed to move at different stages of the Invisalign® procedure. The movements that Invisalign® creates for the patient’s teeth have been determined by an effective orthodontic treatment plan that has been proven to work.

Overly crowded teeth: This occurs when there is simply a lack of room within your jaw for all of your teeth to fit normally. When left untreated, overly crowded teeth can cause dental decay, an increase in chances of gum disease, and can prevent the normal function of teeth.

Widely spaced teeth: This occurs with abnormal continued growth of the jaw bone. When teeth are missing, this issue can also be caused by the other teeth shifting due to extra space. Spacing issues in teeth can cause some periodontal diseases.

Crossbite: This occurs when the upper and lower jaws are both misaligned. It causes one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth, and can happen on both the front and/or the sides of the mouth. This issue can cause wear of the teeth, gum disease, and bone loss.

Overbite: What people commonly refer to as an “overbite” is known to dental professionals as “overjet.” It occurs when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. It’s typically caused by either genetics, bad oral habits, or over development of the bone that supports the teeth. This issue can lead to gum problems or irritation, and/or wear on the lower teeth and can cause painful jaw and joint problems.

Underbite: This occurs when the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. It’s usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or both. It can also be caused by missing upper teeth. This issue can prevent the normal function of front teeth or molars which can lead to tooth wear. It can also cause painful jaw and joint problems.

Dr. Anu Isaac will work with you to create a custom-designed program that will treat your specific dental or orthodontic issues. Your treatment program will consist of a full set of aligners, made for you, and only you.

Orthodontics can do so much more that just straighten your teeth. It can help in the treatment of headaches and TMJ problems. Both of these are mainly due to bite irregularities and severe wear, causing many of the muscles of the head to overwork themselves. The consequence is the onset of headache symptoms. Many patients contact us as a last resort to address their problems. As the patient’s bite is reorganized into the right position, muscle strain is alleviated, therefore correcting the source of the headaches.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Anu Isaac if your are considering braces.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss any aspect of your dental health – we don’t charge for giving advice!