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4821 Lankershim
Blvd., Ste B,
North Hollywood,
CA 91601 - Next to Blockbuster -
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Orthodontics (Braces)
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Braces
 Orthodontics,
often called Dentofacial Orthopedics, is
a special branch of dentistry that deals
with straightening teeth and altering
bone growth. The dentist uses specially
fitted appliances including bands,
brackets, wires headgear, elastics, and
removable appliances to put constant
pressure on the teeth. This pressure
gently and gradually guides the teeth
into their proper positions.
Well-aligned teeth require less care,
place less strain on the surrounding
gums and bone, and give you an
attractive smile.
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Why Do I Need Braces?
People have their teeth straightened
for lots of reasons, but dental health
is the most important. If your teeth and
jaws don't line up properly in good
biting position, tooth decay and gum
disease can develop. Appearance is
another reason for wearing braces. Many
people get braces because they simply
aren't happy with the way their teeth
look.
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Common Bite
Problems
If your jaws don't
line up, your teeth don't close
properly. The same is true if your
teeth are turned, crowded, or
missing. Bite problems fall into
three classes of malocclusions.
Other bite problems can also occur,
either on their own or along with a
malocclusion.
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Normal Bite
with Crooked Teeth (Class I)
The jaws line up
with each other, but the teeth don't
close right. This causes a dental
malocclusion. The teeth may be too
large, too small, trapped in the
bone (impacted), or turned.
Overbite (Class II)
The upper jaw is too large and sticks
out over the lower jaw. Or the lower
jaw may be too small or too far
back. This causes buck teeth or
rabbit teeth. An overbite is most
often caused by a skeletal
malocclusion.
Underbite (Class III)
The lower jaw is too large or too far
forward. Or the upper jaw may be too
small. Then the lower teeth close in
front of the upper teeth. An
underbite is most often caused by a
skeletal malocclusion.
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Open Bite
Some of the back
teeth close properly, but the front
teeth don't meet.
Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting can
cause an open bite.
Closed
(Deep) Bite
The upper teeth overlap the lower
teeth too much. Then the lower
incisors can press into the roof of
your mouth when you chew.
Crossbite
Some upper teeth close inside the
lower teeth. This happens if one jaw
is too big or too small, or some teeth
are not aligned right.
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