Orthodontic Problems We Treat

A crossbite occurs when some of the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside them. It can affect the front teeth, back teeth, or both.

Causes:

Crossbite may be caused by genetics, missing teeth, thumb sucking, or early loss of baby teeth.

Impact:

A crossbite can lead to uneven tooth wear, jaw strain, and difficulty chewing. It may also affect facial symmetry over time.

Treatment:

This case was treated with an expansion appliance followed by conventional metal braces. (28 months)

A deep bite occurs when the upper front teeth excessively overlap and cover the lower front teeth, often more than two‑thirds.

Causes:

Deep bite can be related to genetics, jaw growth patterns, or long‑standing childhood habits.

Impact:

It can cause significant tooth wear and trauma to the gums behind the upper front teeth, sometimes leading to gum recession.

Treatment:

This case was treated using tooth‑coloured ceramic braces with bite‑opening mechanics. (27 months)

Dental trauma can lead to displacement, damage, or loss of teeth from an external impact. In this case, the upper left front tooth was knocked and became fused to the bone.

Dental trauma should always be assessed and managed promptly.

Causes:

Trauma can result from falls, accidents, or sports injuries, and may cause loosened, chipped, fractured, or avulsed (knocked‑out) teeth.

Impact:

Trauma can affect your bite, speech, and chewing. Orthodontic treatment can help reposition teeth and improve both function and appearance.

Treatment:

This case was treated with minor oral surgery and metal braces, with a successful outcome. (18 months)

Crowded teeth occur when there is not enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to align properly. This mismatch between tooth size and jaw size can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum problems.

Causes:

Genetics, a smaller jaw, or extra teeth can all contribute to dental crowding.

Impact:

Crowded teeth can be difficult to clean effectively, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. They may also affect your bite and speech.

Treatment:

This case was treated using tooth‑coloured ceramic braces, achieving a very positive outcome. (24 months)

An increased overjet occurs when the upper front teeth extend significantly forward beyond the lower teeth. A small overjet (up to about 2 mm) is normal, but a larger overjet can affect appearance and speech.

Causes:

Genetics and childhood habits such as thumb sucking or prolonged dummy use can contribute to increased overjet.

Impact:

A pronounced overjet can make the upper front teeth more prone to injury and may affect speech clarity and facial balance.

Treatment:

This case was treated with a growth‑modification appliance followed by conventional metal braces. (24 months)

In adults, an increased overjet describes upper front teeth that protrude noticeably beyond the lower teeth. Even if a small overjet is normal, a larger overjet can affect both appearance and function.

Causes:

Adult overjet may be due to underlying jaw imbalance, genetics, or changes over time after earlier orthodontic treatment.

Impact:

A pronounced overjet can increase the risk of trauma to the upper front teeth and may affect speech and facial aesthetics.

Treatment:

This case was managed with minor oral surgery combined with conventional metal braces. (24 months)

Spacing refers to gaps between teeth when there is more space in the jaw than the teeth require. It often results from an imbalance between tooth size, tooth number, and jaw size.

Causes:

Spacing can be caused by missing teeth, smaller‑than‑average teeth, a larger jawbone, or habits such as tongue thrusting.

Impact:

Gaps can affect speech and may trap food, making cleaning more difficult. Many people also seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.

Treatment:

This missing‑teeth case was treated effectively with lingual (hidden) braces. (25 months)

Teeth continue to move throughout life, even after orthodontic treatment. Relapse occurs when teeth shift from their corrected positions over time.

Causes:

Factors include natural ageing, changes in bone and soft tissues, and not wearing retainers as recommended.

Impact:

Shifting teeth can affect your bite and the appearance of your smile. Retainers are essential to help maintain results after treatment.

Treatment:

This relapse case was treated with clear aligners followed by diligent retainer wear. (6 months)