Treatment Indications

There are many indications for Orthodontic Treatment.

1. Overbite (Overjet)
   • Bite problems which are referred to as overbite are most often actually what orthodontists refer to as overjet.  This is a condition where the upper teeth protrude forward of the lower teeth. The overjet can because by a protrusion of the upper teeth, or a lack of development of the lower jaw.
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2. Crowding
   • Crowding or crooked teeth is a very common reason for having Orthodontic treatment. Crowding occurs when there is not enough space for the eruption of all of the permanent teeth
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3. Underbite
   • An underbite is a condition where the lower teeth protrude forward of the upper teeth. This cases are very often caused by the undergrowth of the upper jaw or the overgrowth of the lower jaw.  It can also be a combination of both
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4. Openbite
   • An open bite is a bite problem where most often the front teeth do not touch. There are also cases where the bite does not touch on the sides.  Open bites can be caused by habits such a thumb or finger sucking, tongue thrust whereby patients swallow by pushing there tongues forward when swallowing or growth problems with the jaw.
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5. Impacted Teeth
   • Impacted teeth refers to a situation where teeth are trapped in the jaw and do not erupt into the mouth.  The most often teeth to be impacted are the cuspid or canine teeth.  The treatment of impacted teeth is very important because it can cause bite problems and also affect the health of the adjacent teeth
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6. Generalized Spacing
   • Spacing occurs when the size of the teeth is smaller than the size of the jaw.
7. Space Between the Front teeth (Diastema)
   • This is a space between the front teeth most often on the upper jaw.  The space can because the result of small upper teeth, excessive gum tissue, lack of bone between the teeth or a strong frenum(muscle attachment) between the front teeth.