Growth modification involves a series of orthopedic changes to the profile. Influencing the growth of the maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw) is a highly specialized skill, that requires intimate knowledge of jaw restructuring, anatomy, & facial aesthetics. Growth modification is best achieved at a younger age, however, any age can benefit from treatment….
Extra teeth or supernumerary teeth occur in approximately 2% of the population. These can happen in both the front and the back teeth. With extra teeth, they can push the normal teeth out of alignment, and even cause damage to the surrounding teeth. Treatment is often complex, highly specialized, with careful treatment planning needed to…
Congenitally missing or smaller teeth occur in approximately 3% of the population, with a slightly higher prevalence in Caribbean populations. This condition is called hypodontia, and gives the appearance of excessive spaces between the teeth. Surrounding teeth can tip and rotate into the spaces. The aesthetic alignment of the teeth if often affected, since smaller…
Impacted teeth are those stuck in the jawbone, and are unable to erupt. Commonly impacted teeth are canine teeth, and the upper front teeth. Often special panoramic x-rays are needed to locate these teeth, since they are not visible within the mouth. Impacted teeth can shift other normal teeth out of position, and even cause…
Cross bites happen when the upper and lower teeth bite on the wrong side of each other. It could be either the front of back teeth in cross bite. These bites cause trauma to the teeth, and result in wearing down and attrition of the tooth enamel. They may also cause trauma to the tempero-mandibular…
Spaced teeth are common. Some patients have generalized spaces throughout their arches, and some have localized spaces, like just between the front teeth. This cosmetic condition can be corrected with orthodontic treatment. We have a number of different options and appliance types for correcting spaced teeth. The photos below illustrate spaces, and the corrections in…
Crowded teeth are common. Mal-alignment of the teeth result in croockedness of the bite, with some teeth operlapping and crossing over each other. Teeth that are not straight reflect light erratically resulting in uneven shadows and contours which affect the attractiveness of the smile. Some crowded cases, but not all, may require extractions to allow…
Open bites can form from either sucking habits, or from the natural facial structure and development of the jaw bones. With open bites, when one closes on the back teeth, and the front teeth are unable to meet and close together. Open bites can result in abnormal musculature development, and even deformation of the perioral…
Deep bites happen when the top teeth bite too low over the bottom teeth, and almost completely cover them. This bite can be traumatic to the gums, the palate, cause erosion of the tooth enamel, and even trauma to the function of the tempero-mandibular (jaw) joints. We have a number of different options and appliance…
Reverse bites happen when the top teeth bite on the wrong side (inner side) of the bottom teeth. This is common in bites where the lower jaw is too far forward, or it can happen when the upper teeth get locked behind the lower teeth in childhood dental development. This can result in abnormal erosion…