Impacted Cuspid (Canine) Teeth
Before
AfterAn impacted cuspid is a tooth that is blocked or “stuck” underneath the gums and does not erupt into its correct position on its own. Cuspid teeth are located at the corners of the arch, next to the incisors. Cuspids are usually the last teeth to erupt, usually grow in around the age of 12 or 13.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic examination by the age of seven, which allows us the opportunity to monitor your child’s teeth eruption and detect impactions early.
If your child does develop an impacted cuspid, a surgical procedure is recommended to assist the eruption of the tooth. The oral surgeon will surgically expose the tooth and attach a brace with a chain, to the tooth, to help us guide the cuspid tooth into position.
With early detection and combined surgical and orthodontic treatment, impacted canines can be allowed to erupt and/or be guided to the most ideal position in your child’s mouth.
Crowding of the teeth
Before
AfterPatient started treatment at age 11 and wore braces for 26 months. He loves his new smile.
Open bite - Front teeth don't touch
Before
AfterPatient sucked her thumb as a young child. She started treatment at age 13. She had braces and a special appliance — called a crib — to retrain the tongue, for 28 months. Now she can bite the lettuce out of a sandwich.
Deep overbite - Lower front teeth bite into palate
Before
AfterThis adult patient, age 25, required braces and jaw surgery to correct his severe overbite, with treatment taking two years. His problem could have been corrected without surgery if he had been treated before he was a teenager.
Missing lateral incisors
Before
AfterThis patient's lateral incisors were congenitally missing. She had braces for 20 months to move the teeth into their correct positions, then the missing teeth were replaced with bonded "Maryland" bridges.
Underbite - Lower front teeth in front of upper teeth
Before
AfterPatient's underbite was causing her jaw joint discomfort and excessive wear patterns on her teeth. After about 30 months of treatment starting at age 32, she now finds smiling and chewing much easier.
Spacing of teeth
Before
AfterPatient was bothered by the spaces between his teeth. Braces closed the spaces and gave him an ideal bite in 24 months. Special glued-in retainers help keep the spaces closed.
Overjet - Protruding front teeth
Before
AfterAt age ten, patient had a big overjet with the top teeth protruding beyond the bottom. She had two phases of treatment. The first helped her jaws to grow more harmoniously and the second aligned her teeth and bite. At age 13, she was proudly displaying her new smile.
Phase-One
Before
AfterPatient's parents were concerned about both aesthetics and the health of the erupting permanent teeth when they brought him to the orthodontist at age eight. The lower front teeth were crowded and touching the palate, and the upper front teeth were extremely displaced from their normal positions. After 12 months of Phase-One treatment with an expander and partial braces, patient's appearance and dental function were vastly improved.
