OPEN BITE
This is a fairly typical adult scenario whereby the bite is open and the required overlap is not present. Treatment has both critical aesthetic and functional needs. Since the front teeth are not touching excessive forces are being placed on the back teeth leading to their breakdown over time. Length of treatment: 18 months – clear braces used.
SEVERE CROWDING
Crowding is common among many adults. In these cases, some of the upper teeth are completely blocked out of the arch. Not only is this very unsightly, but good oral hygiene is impossible to achieve. Fortunately, it can be corrected at any age successfully. When teeth are incorrectly positioned for a lengthy period, extensive decay and bone loss are frequently present in those areas: 24 months – clear braces used.
OVERBITE
Severe overbite is a problem present in a big portion of the adult population. It is a scenario were upper front teeth are positioned very far forward. It gives an unaesthetic appearance of the teeth as well as the upper lip sticking out beyond the proper facial balance. It also places excessive pressure on the back teeth since the front teeth do not function in chewing which leads to wear and break down of the teeth. Extraction of the upper teeth is often required as part of the orthodontic treatment to fully correct the problem.
DEEP BITE
Deep overlap between upper and lower teeth is a common occurrence in the mouth as we age. The lower teeth are completely covered by the upper teeth when the patient bites down. This usually causes trauma to the upper teeth and sever wear to the edges of the front teeth. In severe untreated case root canal therapy is needed to preserve the lower teeth. Length of treatment: 20 months – clear braces used.
SPACING
It is a common occurrence amongst adult patients for there to be limited or no overlap between the upper and lower front teeth, as well as spacing in the front. It can be caused by the tongue positioning during swallowing / a tongue thrusting habit. Continued pressure of the tongue on these teeth results in a progressively worse scenario over time. Orthodontia is required to arrest this movement, restore aesthetics and establish a proper bite to allow for correct tongue movement and function: 15 months – clear braces used.
A common complaint in a lot of adult patients is a large space present between the upper front two teeth. Many patients will notice that the space also tends to get large over time. This can be easily addressed with orthodontic treatment: length of treatment 12 months with clear braces.
