Orthodontics Overview Learn about many of the common problems orthodontics can fix, including overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, crowding and spacing. Parts of Braces This animation gives an overview of the various parts that work together to straighten your teeth. Not every patient needs all of the parts shown here. Broad Archform Mandible Having a narrow lower arch (mandible) gives the appearance of premature aging. Broad Archform Maxilla Having a narrow upper arch (maxilla) gives the appearance of premature aging. Canine Conversion Substitution This form of treatment is used for patients who have missing, small or problematic lateral incisors (side teeth). Class 1 Crossbite Anterior Tooth Class 1 Crossbite Buccal A Class I Buccal Crossbite refers to a crossbite on the cheekside, often because the top jaw is too wide. Class 1 Crossbite Palatal Class 1 Crowding See how teeth can be aligned correctly to alleviate crowding. Class 1 Open Bite An open bite is often caused by poor oral habits, including thumb or pacifier sucking, chewing on a pencil, or repeatedly thrusting the tongue against the back of your top teeth. Class 2 Overbite How orthodontics can correct an overbite. Class 2 Overbite Lip Protrusion An overjet, when the top teeth protrude over the lower teeth, can cause the lips to not align properly. Class 2 Overbite No Correction Class 2 Overjet An overjet, when the top teeth protrude over the lower teeth, can cause the lips to not align properly. Class 2 Overjet Lip Procumbency Early Loss Primary First Molar This video shows how the early loss of the primary first molar can impact your smile. Early Loss Primary Second Molar This video shows how the early loss of the primary first molar can impact your smile. Elastics Anterior Open Bite The upper teeth normally come down over the bottom teeth. If there is a space between the two rows of teeth, then it's called an open bite. Our orthodontists can use braces and elastics to gently exert pressure to correct the bite. Elastics Asymetric If you have an asymmetric smile, braces and elastics can move your teeth and jaw into proper alignment. Elastics Buccal Crossbite When the upper jaw is too wide or the lower jaw is too narrow, a buccal (cheek-side) crossbite can occur. This video shows how braces and elastics can bring the teeth into proper alignment. Elastics Class 1 Mandibular If you have crowding or spacing among the teeth of your bottom jaw (mandibular), you may need braces and elastics to correct the problem. This video shows how the teeth are brought into proper placement. Elastics Class 1 Maxillary If you have crowding or spacing among your top teeth (Maxillary jaw) then your orthodontist may use braces and elastics to fix the problem. Elastics Class 2 Overjet If your top teeth are further forward than your lower teeth, then you have a Class II overjet (also called buck teeth). Braces and elastics can bring the teeth into proper alignment. Elastics Class 3 Underbite A Class III bite means your lower teeth are further forward than your top teeth. This video shows how braces and elastics can correct your underbite. Elastics Delta Canine Open Bite If your delta canine teeth don't touch correctly, then your orthodontist may use braces and elastics to bring them into the proper position. Elastics Delta First Molar Open Bite If your side teeth (Delta first molars) don't touch, then your orthodontist can use braces and elastics to move the teeth into the proper placement. Elastics Delta Premolar Open Bite If your bottom and top jaw are not aligned properly, a midline correction may be possible with braces and elastics. Elastics Midline Correction If your bottom and top jaw are not aligned properly, a midline correction may be possible with braces and elastics. Elastics Palatal Crossbite This animation shows how elastics can bring both the top and bottom back teeth into the proper alignment. Elastomeric Ligation Clear Brackets Braces with clear brackets, also called near-invisible braces, are a popular choice. Elastomeric Ligation Colored Facial Asymmetry Mandible Facial Asymmetry Maxilla Mandible Impacted Maxillary Cuspid This video shows how the maxillary cuspid tooth or teeth may not erupt correctly. Missing Maxillary Lateral Incisor Sometimes a tooth doesn't come in properly. This video shows what happens when you're missing a maxillary lateral incisor. Narrow Archform Mandible If you have a narrow arch, it may need to be widened to allow your teeth to properly align. Narrow Archform Maxilla Orthodontics can help widen the top of your mouth to allow your teeth to align properly. Open Bite Lip Protrusion An open bite can affect your lip alignment. Palatal Eruption of Maxillary Cuspid This video shows what happens when the cuspid teeth erupt in the roof of the mouth, instead of in line with the other top teeth. Retained Deciduous Second Molar This video shows what happens when the second molar does not fall out to make room for the permanent tooth. V Shaped Archform Mandible Orthodontics can correct a v-shaped mandible archform so the teeth can be properly aligned. V Shaped Archform Maxilla Orthodontics can correct the shape of your mouth so your teeth can be properly aligned.
2x4 Appliance Crowding Coil 2x4 Appliance Intrusion This appliance may be used with children with crossbites or rotations during Phase I treatment. 2x4 Appliance Retraction Elastics Some children with anterior crossbites or rotations may benefit from the 2x4 Appliance Retraction Elastics. Your orthodontist may recommend this technique during Phase I treatment, which often reduces the duration of Phase II treatment. Bite Plate A Bite Plate is designed to correct a deep bite, when the upper front teeth come down too far over the lower front teeth. Combination Headgear This animation shows how combination headgear helps correct orthodontic problems. Hawley Retainer A Hawley retainer, also called a traditional retainer, helps keep your teeth in place once the braces come off. This video shows how it works, and what happens if you don't wear the retainer as instructed. High Pull Headgear This video shows how High-Pull Headgear can correct orthodontic problems. Hyrax Rapid Palatal Expansion Palatal expanders are used to widen your upper jaw by applying gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made Invisible Aligners Invisible aligners, also called invisible braces, are custom-made to fit over your teeth and guide them into alignment. Typically, you will get a new aligner every two weeks, moving your teeth into the desired positioning. You remove them to eat. Lower Holding Arch The Lower Lingual Holding Arch helps keep the permanent molars in place while guiding the eruption and alignment of the patient's anterior (front) teeth. Nance Appliance The Nance Appliance keeps molars from rotating or moving forward while you're waiting for the bicuspid teeth to come in. Space Maintainer Unilateral Trans Palatal Arch With a Trans Palatal Arch, the archwire passes through the palatal vault, connecting the two molars and stabilizing them.
Braces Wax How to apply wax to braces to alleviate discomfort. Brushing with Braces We recommend using a power toothbrush to clean better around braces. However, here is what you should do if you have a manual toothbrush. Plus, see our blog at coastdental.com/blog for a list of the Top 10 Tooth Brushing Mistakes. Most people make at least one of them! Decalcification Poor Hygiene This video shows what can happen if you don't brush your teeth or floss correctly while you have braces. Flossing with Braces It's very important to floss even when you have braces. Here is how you should floss around braces. Foods to Avoid Which foods you should avoid when you have braces. Poking Wires It can be irritating when a wire from your braces rubs against your cheek. This animation shows simple ways you can alleviate the discomfort.
Braces Wax How to apply wax to braces to alleviate discomfort. Broken Brackets How you may break a bracket and why it's important to get it fixed. Loose Bands Poking Wires It can be irritating when a wire from your braces rubs against your cheek. This animation shows simple ways you can alleviate the discomfort.