Will Invisalign Help With My Overbite?

Invisalign is an orthodontic tool that is similar to braces. Instead of metal wires and fasteners, however, the Invisalign system uses clear plastic trays to straighten the teeth and correct the smile.

An overbite is a form of malocclusion (“bad bite”). It happens when the teeth of the upper jaw cover the teeth of the lower jaw when the patient bites down. Overbites have a number of causes, including extensive thumb-sucking and hereditary factors.

An overbite can lead to other, more serious health issues. The patient may not be able to chew properly, which can lead to indigestion or heartburn. The bad bite may make teeth more difficult to clean, which can lead to infections of the gums. There is also a higher risk of chipping, breaking, or otherwise damaging the teeth of a bad bite.

The Invisalign system can help correct an overbite. Invisalign trays are custom-made to fit your teeth. Over regular intervals, the trays are adjusted so your teeth shift slowly, correcting the issue.

The Invisalign trays will be created to correct whatever is causing your overbite. If, for example, it is caused by protrusion of the lower teeth, which puts outward pressure on the upper teeth, the orthodontist will adjust the trays to gently shift the lower and upper teeth back into position.

Whatever is causing your overbite, your orthodontist should examine it. Every case is different, and whether or not Invisalign is right for you is up to you and your dental care team. However, Invisalign can correct most overbites, giving you a healthy, straight, beautiful smile.

To find out if you are a good candidate for Invisalign, contact Newman Orthodontics serving Nassau County.

Orthodontic Treatment: Improve your dental and overall health

Did you know that crooked and misaligned dentition is more than an aesthetic problem? If left untreated, it will lead to plaque build-up and calcular deposits. This will give bacteria an entry point, the gingival sulcus. This area of gum is called free gingiva and it is not attached to your dentition.

If you use the Bass tooth brushing technique, you will notice that you are told to start at the gumline and bring the brush to the incisal edge. This method and flossing can more or less eradicate plaque. If you have crooked or overlapping teeth, however, there may be some areas that will not receive proper debridement.

Properly aligned teeth will lessen your chances of experiencing early tooth loss while improving the aesthetic appearance of your mouth. Dr. Seth Newman, your orthodontist serving Long Island, has a high level of experience with all types of malocclusions. The span of treatment will depend on the severity of the case. On average, you will need to maintain your appliance for approximately 2 years. It may take longer for patients with crowded dentition in comparison to those with large diastemas or spaces between their teeth.

Maintaining you braces is a relatively easy task. Remember to floss your teeth at least twice daily to avoid plaque and visit Dr. Newman regularly for orthodontic adjustments. Overlapped or crowded dentition may require the use of spacers. Dr. Newman will teach you how to insert the tiny rubber bands in between your dentition, if necessary.

You can have that smile you have always wanted. All you need to do is invest in orthodontic treatment with a specialist who has a great deal of expertise in this field. To learn more about orthodontic treatment options, call Newman Orthodontics at 516.626.2060 and schedule a consultation today.

Will I have to have teeth extracted prior to getting braces?

Many patients initially consult with a Long Island orthodontist to address excessive crowding in the teeth. When the jaw is not large enough to accommodate all of the permanent teeth, the teeth can come in crooked or overlap with their neighbors.

In such a case, an orthodontist may need to extract a single tooth or even multiple teeth to create the room needed to move all of the teeth into the proper alignment. The need for this procedure varies on a case-by-case basis.

If the orthodontist intervenes early enough, tooth extraction may be avoided. In adolescents, the shape of the jaw may be altered through a device called a palate expander, which creates additional space in the upper jaw. In children, baby teeth may be removed strategically to encourage permanent teeth to drop in the proper position.

If you are an adult orthodontics patient, teeth extraction may be likely. The jaw is fully formed and the palate has closed by early adulthood. The palate cannot be expanded without a surgical intervention, so it is easier to create room in the jaw by removing a few teeth. During the course of treatment, the orthodontist will use certain techniques and devices to close the gaps left behind by the extracted teeth.

Fortunately, dental extractions are straightforward procedures, and patients typically heal within a matter of days. Furthermore, an extraction will not present a significant delay in your orthodontic treatment. Following the extraction, you can have the braces placed on the teeth within a matter of days.

Wisdom teeth present another potential concern for orthodontics patients. If you still have your wisdom teeth and are about to commence orthodontic treatment, you should consider having them removed before the braces go on. If the wisdom teeth are left in place, they could cause crowding during treatment, resulting in the patient spending additional time in braces. The wisdom teeth could also knock the teeth out of alignment after the braces come off, requiring the patient to undergo a second course of orthodontic treatment.

What Steps Occur During Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment is a complex, long-term process that works gradually to move your teeth into the proper position. Treatment can last a number of months or even a few years, depending upon the severity of your issues and the amount and kind of treatment required. Our orthodontist in Long Island can provide a consultation to determine what kind of orthodontic treatment will give you the best results.

Orthodontics are used to treat a variety of issues with the teeth. These usually involve one or more of the following:

• Crooked teeth
• Insufficient room for your teeth
• Large gaps between the teeth
• Improperly aligned bite

Orthodontic treatment usually occurs in a series of steps. A typical treatment goes through the following stages:

Consultation. Orthodontic treatment begins with a detailed consultation. The orthodontist takes X-rays and casts of your teeth to determine how best to treat your issues.

Recommendation of treatment. Orthodontic treatment is most commonly accomplished through use of braces. Braces, usually made of metal, are affixed to the front surface of the teeth. Bands are attached to hooks on the braces. The pressure exerted by the bands moves the teeth gradually into the proper position. Other treatment might be recommended, such as widening the palate or removing some teeth to accommodate the teeth that have not yet emerged.

Orthodontic treatment. Once you and your orthodontist have agreed on a course of treatment, you can begin the process that will transform your smile. Treatment usually occurs in phases. You will receive a schedule for check-ups, evaluations, and to monitor the course of your treatment. During this time, you should continue regular visits to your dentist to ensure your ongoing dental health.

Follow-up treatment. After the completion of your treatment, the orthodontist will recommend follow-up treatment to ensure your teeth remain in their new, proper alignment. This often involves use of a retainer that will hold the teeth in place until they have settled into their new position. At this point, your teeth will be properly aligned, giving you a straight, shining new smile.