Mixed Dentition
Mixed dentition is typically the period around 6-12 years of age, when the first adult tooth erupts in the mouth and the last baby molar falls out. More normally, orthodontic treatment starts after most of the baby teeth have fallen out. For some cases, early diagnosis and interceptive treatment at mixed dentition can help the child’s future dental development. Some of the examples may include:
Ectopic First Molars
8.5 yrs old. Adult molar tooth is impacted and has failed to erupt properly. Fixed with separator elastics.
Thumb Sucking Habit
10 yrs old. Caused lisp and prevented front teeth from erupting. Fixed with tongue guard.
Posterior Crossbite
10 yrs old. Bite deviated to one side which can lead to jaw joint problems and uneven tooth wear. Fixed with a quadhelix expander.
Anterior Crossbite
8 yrs old. Underbite caused lower incisors to feel loose and gums to recede. Early interceptive treatment was carried out using a removable plate for 4 months.
Dental Problems
This relates to a bite problem or unattractive smile that is mainly due to mal positioned teeth or localised dental problems. When we examine a person’s bite and teeth in detail, it is common to diagnose various combinations of dental or bite problems present that the individual or parent may not be aware of before. Your initial visit with us can, therefore, be helpful to inform, educate and discuss possible treatment options. Examples of commonly described dental problems may include:
Crooked teeth
12 yrs old. Severely crowded teeth and embarrassed to smile. Fixed with braces.
Deepbite
14 yrs old. Deepbite can result in excessive wear of front teeth. Fixed with braces.
Impacted Teeth
14.5 yrs old. Upper canine teeth failed to erupt properly, leaving large gaps between the front teeth. Fixed by surgical uncovering and braces.
Missing Teeth
14 yrs old. Upper incisors had never developed, leaving large gaps at the front. Treated with a combination of braces and dental implants.
Openbite
23 yr olds. Severe crowded teeth, narrow upper jaw and openbite between front teeth. Treated with removal of four teeth and full braces. Patient’s cooperation was excellent.
Protrusive Bite
12 yrs old. Lower jaw was undersized leaving the upper teeth severely protruded. Treated using a Bite Jumper and braces, and without the need for extraction of premolar teeth.
Protrusive Bite
18.5 yrs old. Upper teeth severely protruded. Corrected by the removal of two upper premolars and full braces.
Spacing
8 yrs old. Underbite caused lower incisors to feel loose and gums to recede. Early interceptive treatment was carried out using a removable plate for 4 months.
Spacing
20 yrs old. Large spaces due to teeth being undersized relative to the width of the jaws. Closed with braces.
Invisalign®
Jaw Problems
A facial disharmony or bite problem can sometimes be due to a discrepancy between the upper and lower jaw growth and relationship. For more severe mismatch in the size or positions of the upper and lower jaw, jaw surgery combined with orthodontic treatment may be discussed as an option if your specialist orthodontist feels it is the better option for you for the long-term. Examples of bite problems may include:
Skeletal Openbite
20 yrs old. Severe open bite, upper front tooth protrusion, and narrow upper jaw. Treated with a surgical widening of the upper jaw, full braces, and jaw surgery.
Excessive Gum Display
21 yrs old. Severely crooked teeth, 9mm excess gum display when smiling. Full braces with removal of four premolar teeth and jaw surgery.
Retruded Lower Jaw
31 yrs old. Lower jaw was undersized and set further back than average. Treated with a combination of full braces and jaw surgery
Disclaimer: The cases here have all been treated by the specialist orthodontists at Smile Council Orthodontics. Each case shows the before and after treatment images of the same person. Examples here are used to describe a diverse variation of bite or dental problems that may exist. This does not imply that all cases will have an identical outcome. Your consultation appointment with your Smile Council specialist orthodontist will include a discussion of suitable treatment options and goals as well as their likely outcomes.
Get In Touch