Orthodontic treatment does not only involve braces nor is it just a way to straighten teeth. Orthodontic treatment actually involves a number of interventions and corrects various structural problems of the teeth and jaws. In fact, for as many ways that teeth can be misaligned or unevenly spaced, there are ways to correct those dental problems through orthodontic treatment.
Crooked teeth
There are a number of reasons why teeth may erupt (push through the gums, “come in”) improperly. In fact, it is more likely to have a smile that is not perfectly straight than to develop one that is ideal. Crooked teeth can be inherited, that is, genetics play a role in the final look of a person’s teeth. Certain diseases that occur when baby is in the womb (e.g. syphilis) can lead to congenital problems in tooth development. While mom and dad may have straight teeth, baby can be born with gaps or unevenly spaced teeth. Thumb-sucking can lead to abnormal teeth during development, too. If primary (baby) teeth do not fall out in time, the permanent teeth can be crowded or be pushed askew. Orthodontic treatment pulls these crooked teeth into proper alignment, whatever the cause.
Malocclusion (bad bite)
Dentists refer to the way in which the mouth closes or how the rows of teeth come in contact with one another as occlusion. When a person’s teeth do not close together properly it is called malocclusion. Another term for malocclusion is a “bad bite.” Malocclusion can cause a number of problems like ineffective chewing, sore jaws, and increased risk of cavities. Braces are particularly effective at correcting malocclusion since they pull individual teeth into alignment but also move the entire row over time. By the end of successful orthodontic treatment, a patient’s malocclusion is generally much improved and the bite has been made more efficient. In other words, the rows of teeth meet as they should.
Overbite, underbite, and crossbite
Other dental problems that orthodontic treatment addresses are underbite, overbite and crossbite. Overbite is basically when the upper row of teeth extends in front of the lower row of teeth (when the mouth is closed). Underbite is the opposite of overbite. Underbite occurs when the bottom row of teeth are farther forward than the top row. Crossbite is essentially the same as an underbite. These disorders of mouth closure are considered malocclusions. Various orthodontic appliances can be used to correct these issues. Over time, the teeth in an entire row can be pushed or pulled into a more normal position.
Buck teeth
Buck teeth (sometimes called bucked teeth) occur when the first two top teeth appear abnormally large in comparison to the other teeth or these teeth stick out more than others. There are several causes of buck teeth, but they mostly relate to forces applied to the teeth over time. Just as orthodontists can change the orientation and alignment of teeth through braces, a child can cause misalignment through thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, or baby bottle use with hard nipples over an extended period of time.
In some people buck teeth are inherited from one or both parents. When an orthodontist corrects buck teeth, often the surrounding teeth are extended or accentuated in relation to the front teeth (incisors) while the buck teeth are minimized.
Closing the gap (diastema)
A visible gap between any two teeth is referred to by dentists as a diastema. A diastema does not result from a lost tooth, which would also leave a gap. A true diastema is a space between two natural teeth. Often the most noticeable and most common gap is between the front two teeth. This is called a midline diastema. Gaps between teeth can occur anywhere among the teeth, however. Diastema closure can be achieved by many methods, but an orthodontist will likely combine two or more treatment approaches depending on the size of the gap and the number of gapped teeth.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint just below the ears that attaches the bottom jaw to the rest of the skull. It is responsible for chewing, talking, and performing most of the physical functions of the mouth. The TMJ must do these tasks under the incredible forces of the masseter and other jaw muscles. When there is a malocclusion or improper jaw alignment, the TMJ can become inflamed and painful. This leads to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) or temporomandibular joint syndrome. Orthodontic treatment can realign the jaws and improve TMJ pain and inflammation.