About orthodontic treatment

What is the difference between orthodontists and dentists?

Dentists cover a broad spectrum of oral health issues from gum disease, to cavities and broken or missing teeth. Orthodontists are also dentists, but they pursued at least three years of additional training to specialize in teeth and jaw alignment.

Common orthodontic problems

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, malocclusions can result in a variety of problems if left untreated, including:

• Crowded teeth: These crooked, overlapping teeth make it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene.
• Protruding teeth: When teeth jut out, they are more susceptible to chipping and damage.
• Overbites: When the upper teeth protrude too far forward, it can cause excessive incisor wear and a “gummy” smile.
• Underbites: Upper teeth that sit behind your lower teeth can cause discomfort, digestive issues, and excessive wear patterns on the teeth.
• Crossbites: When your upper and lower teeth overlap themselves, can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear.
• Openbites: If your teeth cannot close together properly, it can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments.
• Spacing issues: Mostly caused by excessive jaw room, spacing creates uneven gaps between your teeth.
• Mismatched dental midlines: This indicates that your back bite does not fit appropriately and may cause you jaw issues.