Can All Underbites Be Fixed with Braces?

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Underbites are relatively rare compared to overbites, occurring in a much smaller portion of people. This condition, which refers to when your lower teeth stick out further than your upper teeth, is often treated with braces. However, not all underbites can be fixed with this common dental appliance. We’ll look at when a dentist will recommend braces and why the patient may require a different or additional methodology to correct the problem.

When Can Braces Solve the Problem?

Typically, braces in Columbia, SC, are recommended for mild to moderate underbites. In some cases, clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign, etc.) can effectively push back the lower teeth by guiding the jaws to the proper position. In other cases, the teeth may need rubber bands to consistently apply pressure to the jaw to ensure realignment.

During an evaluation, the dentist will consider the age of the patient, as it’s easier to make changes the younger the person is. This is partially why experts recommend having an evaluation done by the time a child is seven years old. By this point, they can determine how their jaw, teeth, and speech patterns are developing, which can potentially allow for early intervention (which can mean less time and money spent in the dentist’s or orthodontist’s office).

Treatment for Severe Underbites

While unlikely, there are some patients who will only benefit from jaw surgery. If the patient has a bone anomaly, then braces may do little to correct this. During jaw surgery, the jawbone must be reshaped to fit one set of teeth behind the other. The surgeon may target the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both jaws during the surgery. Once the bite has been corrected, they’ll typically secure the position with plates and screws.

Find an Orthodontist in Columbia

If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Columbia, SC, that can find a solution to an underbite, Tompkins Orthodontics has two locations in the city to serve parents and adults who want to correct their bite. Underbites aren’t just aesthetic issues, they can cause anything from pain to more complicated dental issues. To determine the best course of treatment, whether it’s braces, surgery, or another dental appliance, contact us today.

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Is Retention Really a Necessary Step After Braces?

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When patients finally get their braces removed, it can be such a relief. With no more metal wires and a beautiful smile, you can feel confident about showing the world. While the bulk of your orthodontic treatment journey will involve braces, orthodontic retention is a necessary second step in your journey. Find out a little more about retention treatment in Columbia, SC, why it’s necessary, and more below.

What is retention?

Retention is the period after your braces are removed in which you have to wear a retainer. Retention helps to stabilize your teeth and keep them from shifting once the braces are removed. The retainer can be made out of different materials and is not as visible as your braces. In fact, some types of retainers are not all that visible at all. Depending on your preferences and treatment plan, the orthodontist may recommend:

  • Traditional metal and acrylic retainers
  • Clear aligner-style Essix retainers
  • Fixed retainers that are attached to the back of the teeth

Is retention really necessary?

Retention is necessary, and not following up with retention treatment after braces are removed can put your new smile in jeopardy. The teeth often try to shift and move back to their prior positions once your braces are removed. Although these shifts may not be substantial or happen all at once, the gradual change can affect the results.

How long will you have to wear a retainer?

Retention treatment can last for a long time, but each patient’s experience can vary. Depending on your personal circumstances, you may not need to wear a retainer at all hours of the day. For example, some patients only wear a retainer while they sleep or when they’re at home. Individuals that need long-term retention are typically best suited with a fixed retainer that cannot be removed.

Talk to a Skilled Columbia, SC Orthodontist for Further Advice

Orthodontic treatment can involve a series of steps to achieve the ideal smile alignment. Therefore, it is important to work with a qualified orthodontist in Columbia, SC to plan your treatment carefully from evaluation to post-braces retainers. Reach out to the team at Tompkins Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

 

How to Correct an Underbite   

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Do you have an underbite affecting your appearance or causing other dental problems? If so, now is the time to visit your orthodontist in Columbia, SC. An orthodontist will assess your underbite and recommend a corrective treatment option that’s right for you.

What Is an Underbite?

An underbite, or malocclusion, happens when your lower teeth overlap your upper teeth. There are varying degrees of an overbite, from minor misalignments to severe deformities.

What Causes an Underbite?

Many things could cause an underbite.

  • Genetics
  • Thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, long-term bottle use
  • Facial injuries
  • Jaw tumors

Problems Caused by an Underbite

There are a wide variety of issues that could be the result of having an uncorrected underbite.

  • Jaw pain or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
  • Snoring
  • Sleep apnea
  • Bad breath
  • Chewing problems
  • Mouth infections
  • Speech problems
  • Mouth breathing
  • Tooth and enamel wear
  • Tooth decay from irregular tooth wear

How to Correct an Underbite

The severity of your case will determine the way an orthodontist corrects your underbite. A minor underbite might only require one treatment option, whereas a severe underbite might require using more than one treatment option.

There are several available ways to correct an underbite. However, before your optometrist provides you with their treatment recommendation, they might use some digital imaging technology such as iTero 3D scanner to determine the extent of your underbite.

  • Cosmetic underbite correction (this involves fixing your misshapen teeth using dental veneers, etc.)
  • Braces or Invisalign clear aligners
  • Underbite surgery (to remove teeth if you have too many teeth)
  • Jaw surgery (surgery requiring the separation of your front and back jaws, altering them for a better fit and position)

Your orthodontist will examine your mouth and then go over with you the best possible option to correct your underbite. Braces in Columbia, SC are the most common way to correct or align your underbite. It is also the least expensive way to correct an underbite.

The best age for performing underbite correction is between the ages of seven and 10. However, you can have an underbite corrected at any age.

If you need an orthodontist in Columbia, SC, please Contact Tompkins Orthodontics today. We are a family-oriented place filled with laughter and friendly faces and have provided quality dental care for more than 26 years.