This is a great example of Dr. Dean helping a patient with issues related to crowding, overjet, and deep bite.
Before
After
Crowding of the Teeth
This 11-year-old patient suffered from crowding of the teeth, which has many causes ranging from genetics to the growth of the teeth early in life. Tooth crowding occurs when there is a misalignment in the row of teeth, which causes the teeth to overlap and appear “crowded.” With orthodontic treatment, we are able to straighten the teeth out and create a new, straight smile.
Open Bite: Front Teeth Don't Touch
This 13-year-old patient had a malocclusion called an open bite, which causes the teeth to not align properly when the jaw is closed. This type of issue often stems from thumb sucking as a child and can be uncomfortable as the patient gets older. For treatment of this issue, the patient had braces along with a special appliance – called a crib – to retrain the tongue. After approximately 28 months, the patient’s bite is corrected, and the teeth touch as they should.
Spacing of Teeth
Spacing between teeth, called diastema, is one of the most common reasons patients seek braces, and can many times be fixed with braces.
The treatment on this patient took 24 months, during which the gap between his teeth closed and created a more aesthetically pleasing smile. After braces, special glued-in retainers were used in order to maintain the closure.
Overjet: Protruding Front Teeth
This patient suffered from overjet, which is where the top front teeth protrude outward. Also called “buckteeth,” this malocclusion is similar to an overbite, with the difference being that when a patient has an overjet, the front teeth protrude at an angle. In a case with an overbite, the teeth remain straight. This patient is an adult, age 25, and required both braces and surgery to correct the issue. This case, and many like it, can be fixed without the need for surgery if the patient seeks help earlier.
