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Welcome to our Photo Gallery of Smiles! Feel free to click
on the list of various components of malocclusions (bad bites)
that typify the orthodontic problems that we commonly see
and treat. Most cases presented here are from actual patients
who were treated in our practice by our dedicated orthodontic
team. Please note that some images may be inconsistent in
color and clarity due to different cameras being used at
different times.
Beautiful smiles are only possible with excellent patient
cooperation! Please be advised that each patient and his/her
case is unique, and that the relative success of treatment
outcome may be somewhat variable. Unfortunately, we are unable
to give advice or opinions via Internet. This site and other
weblinks are for your convenience, education and informational
purposes only. Specific questions or concerns regarding your
particular case can be better addressed in person.
Remember, orthodontic care can contribute to a lifetime
of improved oral health, appearance, comfort and enhanced
personal confidence. We hope you enjoy seeing YOUR possibilities
TO A GREAT NEW SMILE…
Asymmetry (Midline discrepancy)
The contacts between the right and left upper and lower front
teeth do not line up when the teeth are biting together.
This indicates a tooth size problem, an asymmetrical jaw
relationship, posterior crossbite and/or shifted teeth
to one side of the mouth. This
may lead to muscle imbalance and increased muscle tension
which may contribute to jaw joint clicking and pain and/or
uneven, excessive wear on the biting surfaces of the teeth.
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Crooked Teeth
Crooked teeth always present areas which are very difficult
to clean. Having these teeth straightened greatly enhances
the ease of brushing and flossing so that normal daily
oral hygiene can prevent gum and bone disease (periodontitis).
Straight teeth also create better bite function for chewing
and balance as well as improved psycho-social well-being
by having a beautiful smile.
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Crossbite - Anterior
Here, the upper front teeth are positioned behind the lower
front teeth. Chewing forces are misdirected to the teeth,
and is often a major contributing cause of gum recession
or bone loss around the affected teeth. This type of crossbite
(‘reverse’ bite) may ‘lock’ the
lower jaw into an improper bite position contributing to
jaw joint clicking, pain or other symptoms. This condition
may give a person an appearance of a ‘bulldog’ jaw
and a facial expression of frowning.
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Crossbite - Posterior
Here, the upper back teeth are positioned to the inside of
the lower back teeth. Again, chewing forces are misdirected
to the teeth, and often creates a shift in jaw growth,
facial asymmetry and uneven, excessive wear on the biting
surfaces of the teeth.
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Crowding
In these cases, there is not enough room for all the teeth
to be evenly positioned along the jaw bone. Teeth are relatively
too big for the jaws. They are usually difficult to clean
and pockets often develop trapping food and dental plaque
which causes gum disease and eventual bone loss around
the teeth. Also, teeth may be unsightly and is often the
main reason why people want to have their teeth straightened.
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Deep Overbite
As you can see, the upper front teeth ‘lap over’ the
lower front teeth too much. Lower front teeth often bite
into the gums of the roof of the mouth (also described as
an ‘impinging’ bite) causing inflammation and
gum irritations.
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Impacted Teeth
When these developing, impacted teeth are so severely displaced,
their eruption into the mouth is usually impaired. This
is typically seen on X-ray and is associated with a dark
cyst around the crown. These cysts may cause bone destruction
and root loss (resorption) on neighboring teeth. These
impacted teeth should generally be brought into the mouth,
and placed in proper occlusion with braces.
Missing or Tipped Teeth (Need for Bridge/Implant)
Open Bite
Open bite describes the spaces seen between the biting surfaces
of the upper and lower teeth, either in the front or back,
when the other teeth are biting together. This places too
much chewing force on the teeth that are touching (chewing
forces should act on all teeth as a unit). A widened periodontal
ligament occurs, which is more prone to periodontal breakdown.
A patient may not be able to effectively chew food and
may tend to swallow larger than normal mouthfuls that are
more difficult to digest. In these cases, the teeth and
gums are not exercised properly and can become more unhealthy.
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Protrusion
Here the upper front teeth are forward of the lower front
teeth. This problem may be caused by long-term thumb-sucking,
tongue thrust, forward tongue posture, or just genetics,
e.g. the lower jaw is simply shorter than the upper jaw.
The
protruded front teeth are very susceptible to accident,
and if, fractured, become severely weakened. Biting forces
are placed excessively on the back teeth without distribution
to the front teeth. Spaces often develop between these
front teeth. There is usually difficulty in closing the
lips over the teeth with a tendency for mouth-breathing
and possible chronic bronchial infections. The gum tissue
around the front teeth, when constantly exposed to the
air, often become red and swollen.
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Spacing
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Jaw Surgery: Mandibular Advancement (for Shorter Lower Jaw)
These patients usually present with severe protrusion of
the front teeth which is largely due to the lower jaw being
significantly shorter than the upper jaw. (Often times
in fact, the upper teeth and upper jaw are within normal
limits.) With corrective jaw surgery, one or both upper
and lower jaws can be proportionately-sized to achieve
a harmonious and balanced facial profile.
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Jaw Surgery: Mandibular Setback (for Longer Lower Jaw)
These patients usually have a ‘Jay Leno’ profile
or complain that chewing is difficult since the upper front
teeth are significantly behind the lower front teeth. For
males, a mustache may camouflage the extent of the skeletal
discrepancy. However with corrective jaw surgery, one or
both upper and lower jaws can be proportionately-sized to
achieve a harmonious and balanced facial profile.
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Jaw Surgery: Maxillary Impaction (for Gummy Smile)
Vertical maxillary excess (a.k.a. VME) is usually marked
by having excessive gum display on smile or exhibiting ‘too
much tooth’ at rest. These patients are usually self-conscious
of resembling ‘Mr. Ed’ and choose to have corrective
jaw surgery with braces. Remember, orthodontics only corrects
malposed teeth. Jaw surgery can correct misaligned jaws.
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Life with braces...
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