Complex Orthodontics: Advanced Treatment for Severe Cases
Severe dental misalignment not only affects your appearance, but also increases the risk of developing TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, bruxism, and cavities. Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics offers complex orthodontics at their Philadelphia, PA-area offices to achieve the tooth movement necessary to achieve a straight and balanced bite. Dr. Kellyn Hodges and her team can perform an in-depth assessment of your smile to determine the best way to help you achieve a healthier and more attractive smile.
Complex Orthodontic Issues
Our doctors are fully equipped to treat a range of complex orthodontic issues, including:
- Overbite: Rather than touching, the top teeth overlap with the bottom teeth when biting down.
- Underbite: The lower teeth overlap your top teeth when biting down.
- Crossbite: Back molars do not line up properly, and as a result, the top teeth either rest inside the lower dental arch or fall outside your lower dental arch.
- Open bite: The front teeth do not touch when the jaws meet.
- Crowding: In some cases - especially those involving adults who are pursuing orthodontic care after their permanent teeth have erupted - extraction of one or more teeth may be necessary in order for the jaw to accommodate an arch of properly aligned teeth.
- Spacing: When the teeth have too much space in between them, the opposite of crowding, Dr. Hodges can review the alignment of your teeth and provide orthodontic treatment.
These complicated alignment issues can make it difficult or even uncomfortable to eat. They can also cause significant dental erosion and strain on your jaw, even dramatically affecting the shape and proportions of your face.
Invisalign® for Complicated Orthodontic Issues
Invisalign® can address underbite, overbite, open bite, crossbite, and crowding. However, Invisalign® does have limitations. For example, if your teeth need to move vertically, Invisalign® may not be the best approach. In fact, any kind of severe malocclusion is usually better treated with braces. At Hodges Orthodontics, we are focused on providing only the treatments we believe will result in outstanding long-term benefits. You can depend on us to provide an in-depth assessment and treatment recommendation in your absolute best interest.
Severe malocclusion is usually better treated with braces.
Traditional Braces for Complicated Orthodontic Issues
Braces are still the most common treatment for complex orthodontic care. Your practitioner will attach metal brackets to each of your teeth. An archwire will connect the brackets and place a gentle force on your dental arches. As with Invisalign®, the consistent, graduated pressure will straighten and realign your teeth. Every four to eight weeks, your practitioner will tighten the wire.
Advanced Treatments for Complicated Cases
In some cases, Invisalign® or braces alone will not be enough to achieve the desired results. Instead, your orthodontist may need to combine braces with additional treatments, including:
- Extractions: If you have severe crowding, you may require the removal of one or more teeth.
- Guiding impacted teeth: An impacted tooth is not able to erupt fully, remaining partially encased by bone or gum tissue. Your practitioner will need to expose the impacted tooth by surgically removing the surrounding tissue. In some cases, the tooth can emerge on its own, but you may need an orthodontic bracket to ensure alignment with your dental arch.
- TADs: Temporary anchorage devices are mini implants, which your orthodontist will insert inside your jawbone. Your orthodontist can then fix your braces to this implant, providing stability and additional force to shift your teeth.
- Jaw surgery: If you have an especially complicated case involving a condition such as a severe overbite, you may need oral surgery to modify the jaw, in addition to traditional orthodontia. Together, you and your practitioner will decide on a complete treatment plan to ensure your safety, comfort, and outstanding final results.
Contact Us Today
Even if you have seriously misaligned teeth, we can provide the effective care you need. When you visit us for your consultation, one of our experienced orthodontists can evaluate your dental health and recommend the right treatment plan. During this appointment, we can help you weigh Invisalign versus braces and answer other important questions. Contact us today at (215) 245-5100 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
