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Straighter smiles are healthier smiles

You might think braces are just for looks. But straighter teeth have a big role to play in overall health and well-being. Crooked teeth can cause speech problems, make chewing difficult and can create hard-to-clean areas that lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Every tilted tooth is crooked in its very own way

No two mouths, jaws or teeth are the same. That's why it's important to work with a certified Orthodontist. They do a lot more than tweak your teeth. They analyze the structure and alignment of jaws then plan how to move teeth and bones to create a healthier bite and straighter smile.

Cross bite

When you have a cross bite, an upper tooth, or teeth, lands behind your lower teeth when you bite. You can have a cross bite on the front or side of your mouth.

Deep overbite

Overbite is how much your upper and lower teeth overlap. Most people have some overbite, but just enough that the lower teeth rest just behind the upper teeth. Your teeth may not look crooked, but if your lower front teeth bite into upper gums or the roof of your mouth, you have a deep overbite.

Overjet

With an overjet, the upper teeth project at an angle away from your lower teeth. You may have a good bite, because your lower teeth meet with the base of your upper teeth, but the uppers stick out.

Gaps, jams and other spacing problems

Teeth may grow in too close together or too far apart. Sometimes, people grow extra teeth that crowd their smiles, or don’t grow the normal 32 teeth, which leaves a gap.

Underbite

With an underbite, the lower teeth extend further that the upper teeth. This is caused when the lower jaw grows too long, or the upper jaw doesn’t grow enough. Mild underbites can be corrected with braces and other external expanders for the upper jaw and chin caps that pull the lower jaw in. Severe cases of underbite must be treated surgically.

Treating an underbite is very important. Left alone, it can cause pain, difficulty in chewing, swallowing, speaking and even breathing. It can also cause facial deformities.

Got questions about braces? We've got answers.

How do braces work?

Braces move your teeth, by pulling them slowly over a course of months or years. It’s that simple. They can pull an overjet in, bring gapped teeth together or straighten a crooked tooth.

Other devices push on your teeth and jaw structure. Expanders, masks that pull and chin straps that restrict can reshape your jaw as well as your teeth.

Because your teeth are rooted in the bone of your jaws, moving your teeth causes the bone in front of the moving tooth to dissolve and new bone to grow where the tooth was, which is why braces can be used to create permanent changes in your smile.

What happens if I need braces, but don't get them?

Crooked, crowded teeth can get worse. Plus they are hard to clean which increases your risk of tooth decay, gum disease and other health concerns. If you experience chronic headaches, face or neck pain—misaligned teeth and jaws might be the cause.

Can adults get braces?

You can get braces at any age and have great results. But, to be completely honest, it’s a lot easier to shift teeth and change bone structures while you’re young, because you're still growing and your body, especially bones, are easier to change.

Some conditions, like underbites, need to be corrected early. If you’re a parent, your child’s dentist will keep a close eye on their bite, from baby teeth on. Around age seven, it will be time for a visit with the Orthodontist.

Life with braces

Little tiny rubber bands. Shiny brackets. Springy wires. Getting braces comes with a lot of little changes that add up to a whole, new smile.

What to expect when you get braces

Orthodontic Resources

More wisdom for the misaligned