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Overbites happen when the top teeth are pushed forward past the bottom jaw and teeth. In severe cases, overbites may require surgery to correct. It is important to treat an overbite because it does have a negative impact on your overall oral health. An untreated overbite can lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) that will cause pain in the jaw. 

What causes an overbite?

There are a number of things that can contribute to overbite:

1. Genetics: There have been many studies on genetics and its influence on the upper and lower jaw. If direct family members have a history of an overbite, then it is likely that it can be passed down to newer generations. 

2. Bad Habits: Thumbsucking and prolonged bottle use in children can cause the overbite to develop as they grow. It is best for the habit to be eliminated as early as possible to prevent the further development of an overbite. 

3. Trauma: Early trauma to the growing jaw can cause it to stop growing. 

4. Tooth Count Discrepancy: Extra teeth in the upper jaw can push your other teeth forward because of the lack of space. The extra teeth would need to be extracted in order to make room for the other teeth. A missing tooth on the lower jaw can also cause an overbite and would need to be replaced. 

5. Gum Disease: More common in late adulthood because gum disease causes bone support to recede. 

When is the best time to correct an overbite?

The best time to correct an overbite is when children are still in their developmental stages. For girls the best age is around 10-12 years old and 11-13 for boys. At this age in kids, an orthodontist can more accurately assess the dental issues and can correct the developing jaws and teeth with the right treatment plan. 

How Can An Overbite Be Fixed

It is possible to correct an overbite with just the use of braces. Braces will work best in early development as mentioned before. A severe overbite is also known as a deep bite may require surgery to correct. Braces will be used for a time before and after surgery to help with the overall correction. Only a few dental specialists have the ability to correct a severe overbite with no surgery. There are many factors that will determine the need for surgery. It is always best to consult with your orthodontist as each case is going to be different. 

Article Source: https://www.ismilespecialists.com/overbite-correction

Can Invisalign fix an anterior Open Bite? 

Invisalign was first introduced in 1997 by two Stanford University students that invented the first complete clear aligner system. At this point in time correcting an open bite with Invisalign was not recommended. As the years passed, a better understanding of how modified Clear Aligners can direct the necessary force in a predictable manner allowed for more orthodontic corrections such as open bite to be possible. 

Although Invisalign has made a lot of progress over the years, it is still limited when it comes to more complex cases such as posterior open bite. In this case, Invisalign may not be the best option. It is always best to consult with an experienced orthodontist in order to determine if Invisalign can fix your open bite. 

How can Invisalign correct an Open Bite? 

In order to correct an open bite Invisalign trays are designed and programmed by an orthodontist to fix an open bite. 

This process may include all of the following:                                                                                  

• Extrude the anterior teeth making sure the teeth align with your smile line.                                                                                     
• Intrude the posterior teeth with possible wisdom teeth extraction in some cases.                                                                                     
• Mini-Implants may be required in the upper posterior area if a more posterior intrusion is needed.                                                                                     
• Use rubber bands of rubber bands inducing a counterclockwise mandibular rotation[iii].                                                                                    
• Interproximal reduction (IPR) may be used if the tooth varies in size and shape. 

How long does it take for Invisalign to correct an Open Bite?

The treatment time will depend on the age of the patient and also the size of the open bite. Adult patients with a moderate open bite (2-3 mm) will have a time frame of approximately 18-24 months. Younger patients with the same moderate open bite will take between 12-18 months. If an open bite is much bigger ( more than 4 mm) the use of mini-implants will be required and the length of treatment will be 24-28 months or more. 

About how many trays are needed to fix the anterior open bite?

Past research has revealed that an average of 73 clear aligners are needed to get the open bite fixed. However, this number can vary from patient to patient possibly ranging from 40 to 100 trays. 

Invisalign & Surgery For Open Bite Treatment

In very complicated open bite cases, surgery can become the only solution. Braces are required before surgery is performed to align and straightened the teeth to ensure the open bite is corrected properly. Only a specialized orthodontist with years of experience using Invisalign offers the option to use aligners instead of braces in this unique circumstance.

To recap this post, Invisalign can be used to correct open bites with advancements in Invisalign technology. A patient should always consult with an experienced orthodontist, preferably one that has many years working with Invisalign. The orthodontist will be able to determine if Invisalign can be used to correct open bites on a case-by-case basis.

Braces have come a long way from their original inception. These orthodontic correction tools have helped millions of people to straightened their teeth. Braces do more than that though, they help us to improve our overall oral health. They can help you with your speech, and your bite to help when you are eating. There is no doubt that braces are more than just a cosmetic want, it is considered a necessity for most. 

But why are they so expensive? 

The expenses for this procedure are based on several determining factors. Time is the biggest one we will cover first.

Time 

The complexity of your case, in other words, how hard your teeth are to straighten will factor in how much time it takes. For any level of complexity, straightening your teeth is something that must be done slowly. If your teeth are shifted too quickly it will damage your teeth and gums. The longer the treatment time the more dental visits that will be needed thus increasing the cost.  

Materials

It is important that the parts used to correct your teeth are of high quality. The intricate parts used to straighten your teeth brackets, colored rubber bands and wires are not the only materials used. At times special appliances are also needed for more complex cases. Sanitization supplies and other materials add to the overhead cost of the materials. 

Labor

You are of course paying the doctors for their time, expertise, and knowledge. Dental assistants also help the doctor to do the more repetitive portions of the treatment. The doctor is responsible for mapping out the fastest most effective treatment plan for you. 

The time, materials, and labor all contribute to the expenses of braces. It is possible to find affordable braces depending on where you decide to get your braces. It is important that you find a good orthodontist that will give you the most straightforward and effective treatment plan. The less time you spend in braces the less the expenses will be. 

What Are Gold Braces?
Gold braces are made up of the same components as traditional metal braces such as wires and brackets. However, they are made with high-grade stainless steel coated with 24-karat gold. Dr. Kanaan developed these gold braces in Houston in 2006 specifically to help his patients with a nickel allergy. These braces are also for anyone that wants a more luxurious appearance for their braces. They stand out more than silver braces and are a symbol of power. 

These braces maintain most of their shininess and glory during the treatment. There are also gold accessories that can be added such as gold wires, gold hooks, gold elastics, and gold retainers. Gold braces are a great stylish choice for your orthodontic corrections. They are affordable, durable, and will make your teeth as straight as if you are wearing traditional metal braces.

There are many myths about a root canal, in this article, we will explain everything about root canal and some common myths about the root canal.

Toothache is a type of pain that even the strongest of us can’t bear. If it persists for a long time, a small decay may have progressed to something more severe.

It is best to visit your dentist to have it checked.

If your tooth is less damaged your dentist might suggest a number of procedures but if a tooth is severely damaged you will be advised a root canal. A root canal is a procedure that involves removing the damaged area of the tooth (the pulp), cleaning and disinfecting it, and then filling and sealing it.

Here are some common myths and facts about a root canal procedure.

• It is painful – the only sensation that you might feel is that of a syringe prick which is used to induce local anesthesia. The entire procedure is done under the influence of anesthesia, which means that you won’t feel any pain during a root canal and of course nothing in comparison to what a damaged tooth causes every now and then.
• Requires many visits to the doctor – The entire procedure for one tooth can be completed in 1-2 sittings.
• Pulling the tooth out is a better option – Keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible is very important for proper eating and chewing functions. A root canal helps you save your natural teeth by simply removing the infected pulp and sealing it.
• A root canal is not required if there is no pain – Many teeth that need root canal therapy will not cause pain. Your dentist is the best judge. In some cases, you might see swelling near the damaged tooth. This is called a fistula, is a tunnel of tissue draining pus from an infection. There is no pain because the fistula keeps pressure from building in the tissue. The infection must be treated, and the tooth probably needs root canal treatment. Without treatment, it can infect the nearby tissues.
• Root canals have a high failure rate – It is one of the most successful treatments in dentistry. With new technology and treatment techniques, it is done with a high level of success.

So, the next time you are being advised for a root canal it is definitely the need of the hour. The procedure is highly successful and painless if it is done by an expert dental clinic. Don’t let the myths keep you from what’s best for you.

Contact us for painless root canal treatment in Nepean Sea Road, Mumbai.

Choosing an orthodontist in Houston with more than 100 orthodontic specialists should not be hard. However, finding an orthodontic engineer who can design your complex case to get the best beautiful smile with the most economical price is not easy! Dr. Kanaan is a board-certified orthodontic specialist with additional special training to treat complex cases of orthodontics that require dental implants, surgery for impacted teeth, cleft lip and palate and other special cases. Dr. Kanaan completed a mini-residency program at Harvard Dental school in 2002 and graduated from St. Louis University in 2005 with a Master's degree in Orthodontics. He has been an active member of the American Association of Orthodontist AAO since 2003. 

Dr. Kanaan has been voted the top orthodontists in Houston. His dental experience and knowledge are unsurpassable! He takes the time to meet with you and address all your concerns to set your mind at ease. Dr. Kanaan also has patented and innovative inventions that are utilized in his unique dentistry. 

When it comes to orthodontic correction a patient will most likely require some type of braces. The type will be determined depending on the individual person's dental needs.  Traditional metal braces are amongst the most common and are still as effective as ever.  

Throughout the years, orthodontics has developed different types of braces to cater to people's cosmetic appearance. In this post, we will cover the differences between the variety of braces available. 

Traditional Metal Braces | The Original Braces 

Metal Braces are a great choice for anyone looking to get a straight smile. These braces can be for kids and adults but are generally the go-to option for children. Metal Braces are made of a very strong stainless steel alloy. They are super strong and durable.  

Metal braces are by far the best option to correct severe cases and can also cut your treatment time down. Other teeth straightening options like Invisalign can take longer to achieve the same result.  

Advantages: 

• Less expensive than clear braces or Invisalign
• Better at treating severe overcrowding of teeth
• Durable and Strong
• Better for more difficult orthodontic cases 
• Faster treatment time 

Disadvantages: 

• Metal Braces are more noticeable than other braces types
• Can be harder to clean 

Clear Braces | Also Known as Ceramic Braces  

Clear Braces are much less noticeable than metal braces. These braces are favored by teens and adults who are self-conscious about the way braces look. Ceramic Braces are still effective at treating your orthodontic problems and do not increase your treatment time. 

 This is a more expensive treatment option than traditional metal braces. They do cost more to purchase and often take more visits and more time to install also.  

 Advantages: 

• Less noticeable than metal braces.
• It does not increase treatment time. 
• Effective at treating most orthodontic problems 

Disadvantages:  

• More expensive than metal braces
• Can take more time to install
• The patient is required to qualify 

Incognito Braces | Also Known as Hidden Braces 

Lingual Incognito hidden braces are a unique treatment option in orthodontic dentistry. The braces are customized to be placed on the backside of your teeth so they are completely hidden from view. The price range can be about the same as metal braces or can cost up to $5,000 more. You will have to consult your orthodontist to determine a final price.  

Advantages:  

• Completely invisible 
• The cost can be about the same as metal braces
• Easy to keep clean
• Effective Treatment Option 

Disadvantages: 

• Will take getting used to and affect your speech initially
• Cost may exceed metal braces 

Invisalign | Also known as Clear Aligners 

Invisalign is one of the more modern approaches when considering orthodontic treatment. Clear Aligners now addresses many cases, from simple to more complex. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable, BPA-free plastic that won't irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional metal braces often do.  

Simply wear them throughout the day, and remove them when you eat or to brush and floss your teeth. You need to wear them at least 22 hours each day. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place. And because they're virtually invisible, most people won't even notice you're wearing them 

Advantages:  

• More comfort than metal braces
• More attractive and less noticeable than metal braces  
• Can be removed to eat, brush and floss
• Minimal Maintenance 

Disadvantages:

• More Expensive than traditional metal braces
• Patients are responsible for wearing them 22 hours a day 
• Brushing is required after removing to eat

In the past, orthodontics was routinely an early teen event that began once all of the baby teeth were gone and permanent teeth were in. Recent advances in the understanding of a child development as well as modern materials have re-evaluated the time for orthodontic treatment to an earlier age. It is now recommended by the American Association of Orthodontiststhat every child should receive an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. But Why?

Common Orthodontic Problems Found At Age 7

1. Buck Teeth. Do the upper front teeth stick way out of line?

2. Deep Bite. Do the upper teeth cover the lower teeth?

3. Underbite. Do the upper teeth fit inside the arch of the lower teeth?

4. Open Bite. Do only the back teeth touch when biting down?

5. Crowded or overlapped teeth. Do the teeth have too much or too little space in certain areas?

6. Misaligned front teeth. Do the spaces between the upper two front teeth and lower two front teeth not line up?

7. Crossbite. Do the lower teeth fit properly inside the upper teeth?

8 .Missing teeth. If there are baby teeth that never developed, there will not be a permanent tooth to follow. Jaw x-rays may also find that certain permanent teeth are not  presently formed or are unable to come down on their own.

9. Extra teeth. When there are double teeth, extra teeth or malformed teeth.

Generally, orthodontic treatment does not begin at age 7 but it is good to get a head start to avoid any complications down the road. However, early orthodontic treatment may be necessary before age 7 if the following appear:

-Problems Speaking

-Proper Chewing Is Difficult

-Abnormal bite development

-Clicking or popping in the jaw

-Permanent teeth that are erutping into the mouth crowded or overlapped

-A thumb sucking problem

-A teeth grinding problem

-Issues biting cheeks or biting into the roof of the mouth

Benefits Of Early Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic evaluation provides both timely diagnosis of problems and increased opportunity for more effective treatment. Early intervention gives the ability to guide growth and development, preventing more serious issues later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.

Early orthodontic treatment is also referred to as interceptive treatment or Phase I treatment. Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment include the following:

-Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth

-Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth

-Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth

-Preserving space for teeth that are coming in

-Reducing the need for tooth removal

-Reducing Phase II treatment time with braces

Phase II orthodontic treatment begins when all of the permanent teeth erupt and usually involves a full set of braces and not just a localized treatment plan.

Orthodontic Conclusion

While not every child will need early orthodontic treatment, it is best to know in advance what the options will be going forward. It is important to remember, orthodontics is not strictly a cosmetic endeavor, bite alignment is the ultimate goal. The issues presented above can all be corrected fairly easily if done in a phased approach. However, allowing this early intervention time to pass can complicate treatment requiring more extreme measures (i.e. teeth removal or surgery) to fulfill the same goal.

© 2014, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist

Reposted From Dentistry IQ

A beautiful smile is important to many. With so many adults in our practices with misaligned teeth, shouldn't cosmetic orthodontics become a bigger part of your treatment planning? In the past, many adults were afraid to wear orthodontic braces because they were either embarrassed to wear brackets or did not want to spend the time and money. Cosmetic orthodontics has addressed these concerns. Below you will see some common questions and fears about cosmetic orthodontics, which can help you help your patients with their concerns.

“I’m just too old for braces. Braces are for kids.”
When your patients make statements like these, they expect you to agree with them. Instead, you should take this opportunity to reassure your patients that it is never too late to have the smile they have always wanted. There is no age limit for adults with a healthy periodontal condition to undergo orthodontic treatment. Cosmetic orthodontics lets you have the perfect smile you have always wanted without putting your life on hold. These new options allow you to look great throughout treatment. FACT: One out of every five orthodontic patients is an adult.

“I’ve already had braces; won’t they just move again?”
Explaining to a patient the importance of retention after movement is key. If they understand why that fixed retainer or clear stent needs to be worn during bone fill after movement and that they need to be continually monitored at each recall appointment, they are more likely to be compliant with their retention. For many, they need to understand retention as a protection of their investment.

“Braces take too long.”
For many adults, cosmetic orthodontics can be completed in as little as six months. Depending upon the appliances used and the amount of movement required, treatment can be quite short in length. When addressed in this manner, a patient should understand that treatment may be completed by the time of the next recall visit.

“Orthodontic treatment is painful.”
There is a huge difference between discomfort and pain. All appliances take some getting used to, but it is only for a matter of months. Most of the discomfort is short-lived, lasting a few days after an adjustment appointment. Some of the discomfort has to do with the metal aspects, which may poke or pinch, but this can be reduced drastically with a quick application of wax. In general, the discomfort does not get past the point where a Tylenol does not bring relief.

“Orthodontic braces make it more difficult to keep your teeth clean. Will this cause cavities?"
Good oral hygiene will take a bit more attention than it did before appliances were in place, but is very manageable with the right tools. Waterpiks, electric toothbrushes, fluoride rinses, and threader floss can make it much easier to keep everything clean and cavity-free.

“Isn’t it expensive?”
Your patients need to understand that cosmetic orthodontics is usually the most conservative way to fix a cosmetic issue. Very often, the need for full bonding or veneers may reduce to just a few teeth or none. It may also be the only way to achieve optimal cosmetic dentistry results. The cost factor can be overcome using payment plans through your dentist or using a third-party provider such as CareCredit.

Cosmetic orthodontics conclusion
Whether you practice limited orthodontic movement in your office or not, cosmetic orthodontics should be offered as a treatment option for patients who would benefit from it. Orthodontic treatment can transform your patients' smiles and attitudes about their dental health. You will be surprised at the positive results and referrals!

Marielaina Perrone DDS, is a family, cosmetic, and implant dentist creating and enhancing beautiful smiles in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Cosmetic Dentist Las Vegas