Orthodontic Treatment in Lawrenceville, NJ

Braces

Misalignment & Underbites

Misalignment occurs when the upper and lower teeth are crooked. Misalignment can range from mild to severe, with severe cases leading to malocclusions (bad bites), such as an open bite. Underbites occur when the lower front teeth protrude past the upper front teeth. This can be caused by several issues, including tongue thrusts and/or the lower jaw extending further than the upper jaw.

Overjet

Overjet (often called overbites) is similar to underbites but occurs when the upper front teeth protrude past the lower front teeth. This is due to the upper jaw extending past the lower jaw.

Crossbites

Crossbites occur when one or more upper teeth slot behind the lower teeth. It occurs most commonly as a result of a misaligned upper and lower jaw. It is similar to an underbite, but only affects a group of upper teeth as opposed to all of them.

Speech/Chewing issues

Crooked teeth and mouth and jaw deformities can negatively impact speech and chewing.

Children

Because their teeth are not permanent, most young children do not receive braces. In extreme cases, however, they may have jaw issues severe enough that they are apparent even at a young age. These issues might include misaligned jaws, severe crowding of teeth, or other developmental problems that could lead to more serious dental issues in the future.

In such instances, Dr. Callan may recommend early orthodontic treatment. This proactive approach can help address these problems early on, making future treatments less complex and more effective. Early orthodontic treatment for children allows for:

• Guided Jaw Growth: Ensure the jaw develops properly to accommodate permanent teeth.

• A Reduced Risk of Trauma: Corrects protruding front teeth to minimize the risk of injury.

• The Correction of Harmful Oral Habits: Addresses habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting that can affect dental development.

• Speech Improvement: Assists in the proper development of speech by ensuring teeth and jaws are correctly aligned.

• Space for Erupting Teeth: Makes room for permanent teeth to come in properly, reducing the need for extractions later.

Adults

Many adults may not have received the orthodontic care they needed during childhood to straighten teeth. Fortunately, it is never too late to benefit from braces or other orthodontic treatments!

There is no shame in getting braces once you are older — in fact, you should be proud of yourself for taking steps later in life to improve your oral health and getting the healthy smile you have always wanted! Adult orthodontic treatment helps patients with:

• Correcting Teeth Alignment: Straight teeth improve both function and aesthetics, leading to a more confident smile.

• Improving Bite Function: Addressing issues such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites to enhance chewing and speaking abilities.

• Addressing Long-Standing Issues: Correcting dental issues that may have been present for many years, providing much-needed relief.