Before & After Treatment Images
Class II
Class II problems represent abnormal bite relationships in which the upper jaw and its teeth are located in front of the lower jaw. This relationship is usually due to inherited characteristics. Correcting this skeletal relationship prior to braces can dramatically shorten the amount of time that braces are worn.
Class III
Class III problems, commonly called an underbite, represent an abnormal bite relationship in which the lower jaw and teeth are positioned in front of the upper jaw. Class III problems are primarily genetic in origin. We often delay full treatment (braces) when we are dealing with a Class III skeletal problem. Early treatment, however, can often times dramatically reduce the need for jaw surgery later.
Crowding
Crowding of the teeth is a common problem associated with the need for orthodontic care. This problem usually stems from a discrepancy between space available in each jaw and the size of the teeth. Many arches that appear crowed frequently do not need permanent tooth extraction. For example, a deep bite can cause significant lower anterior crowding that does not require extraction of permanent teeth. Early treatment in children using expansion appliances can alleviate crowding and make room for the eruption of permanent teeth.
Spacing
Spacing is usually treated when most of the permanent dentition has erupted.
Deep Over Bite
Deep overbite is excessive vertical overlapping of incisor teeth. This is usually treated with braces when most of the teeth have erupted. A deep bite can sometimes lead to headaches, unwanted grinding habits and lead to problems with the temporomandibular joints. Sometimes a simple removable appliance can help with these problems while awaiting eruption of the permanent teeth.
Crossbite
Posterior crossbites usually result from a constricted upper jaw or an abnormally wide lower jaw. A narrow upper jaw will often force a patient to move their lower jaw to the side or forward when closing into a stable bite. When closed into this accommodated position, the lower teeth are located outside the upper teeth. An anterior crossbite is where the upper front teeth develop behind the lower front teeth. Both anterior and posterior crossbites in young children can usually be corrected with a simple expansion appliance. Once all of the permanent teeth have erupted, braces are usually needed to correct anterior and posterior crossbites.
Open Bite
A lack of vertical overlap of the incisor teeth can usually be caused by inherited or environmental factors. Finger and thumb sucking, mouth breathing, and tongue thrusting can contribute to an openbite. Early identification and interception of the problem is especially important in treating an openbite.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a computer generated “state of the art” alternative to braces. Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of clear removable appliances called aligners using the latest in 3-D computer technology. Invisalign is not appropriate for every adult. Dr. Gupton will advise you at your complementary consultation if you are a candidate for Invisalign therapy. If you are, complete orthodontic records are taken. Dr. Gupton sends precise treatment instructions to Invisalign who translates these instructions into a series of aligners. Each aligner is worn for approximately two weeks and should be taken out only for eating, brushing and flossing. Visit www.invisalign.com for more information.