A misaligned jaw treatment is necessary when the lower and upper teeth do not meet comfortably. The common signs are an overbite with protruding teeth and an underbite with the bottom teeth in front of the upper. The condition can interfere with speech, breathing, eating, sleeping and cause discomfort. This condition is referred to as a malocclusion and the treatment is dependent on the severity of the condition.
The standard treatment for a misaligned jaw and crowded or crooked teeth are braces. Cement brackets are fastened to the teeth and connected with wires. Over a period of roughly one to three years, the wires are tightened. This gradually moves the jaw and the teeth into alignment. Braces are also used to treat overbites when the jaw is too far forward causing protruding upper teeth.
If the misalignment is too excessive, headgear braces are an option. The upper jaw is moved back with retraction headgear and the lower jaw moves forward with protraction headgear. Both types of braces use external and internal wires. One or two straps are designed to fit over the neck and head. These braces are worn for the majority of every day.
An underbite is corrected with an upper jaw expander. This is applicable when the lower teeth are forward farther than the upper and the lower jaw protrudes. This device has a wire frame and is placed on the upper palate. The expander is widened a tiny bit each night with a specialized key.
The misaligned jaw treatment for milder conditions is cosmetic dentistry. The lower teeth are reshaped and veneers are used for the upper teeth. This does not fix the misalignment, but it becomes less noticeable. The lower teeth are then able to remain behind the uppers.
Although it can be challenging to navigate around orthodontic devices, using a fluoride toothpaste to brush twice each day in addition to flossing once daily helps ensure cavity free, healthy teeth at the conclusion of the treatment. Rinsing daily with an antibacterial mouthwash is also recommended to reduce plaque and bacteria. A misalignment can be serious but there are treatments to permanently correct the issue. This results in beautiful, straight teeth and an aligned jaw.
If you are interested in receiving a misaligned jaw treatment, please get in touch and make an appointment with Central Texas Orthodontics. At our location in Austin, TX, our caring and dedicated team of professionals will be pleased to explain your options in full and help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Contact us today to set up your consultation!
Excellent service and treatment!
by Lisa
Category: orthodontistWe have been seeing Dr. St. Loius at Central Texas Orthodontics for a couple kids now over several years. Everytime we walk in for an appointment, we are greeted warmly and promptly taken back. The office is easy to get to and always runs on time, we have never had to wait to be seen, which is remarkable for a medical/dental office! The payment options were also fair and easy to understand. And the follow up, even after those braces come off, has been stellar! Retainers get lost or chewed up sometimes (ugg!), but a quick text into the office and we were able to drop off the original molds and have new ones made very quickly. Everyone who works at this office truly cares, and you can tell they all enjoy where they work, which is really wonderful to see. I cannot speak highly enough of this office, the staff, the care, and ESPECIALLY the after care and protecting our investment.
Austin’s Best Orthodontics!
by Robin Petmecky
Category: orthodontistDr. St. Louis and his staff are exceptional! Their professional, friendly and caring manner stand out every time I have an appointment. They are always very positive during my visits and make me feel like I’m part of their family. I never have to wait to be seen and I’m usually out in a minimal amount of time. I had my last orthodontic visit recently and they invited me to stop in anytime, just to say hello. I highly recommend Central Texas Orthodontics to anyone needing their services. They are truly the BEST!
FANTASTIC GROUP!
by Melissa Moore Yacono
Category: orthodontistI love this office and the lovely, happy, warm staff!! Every one of the staff is kind and friendly! The vibe of the office is uplifting, relaxing, and Austin-y. Love it. The plants make it pleasant. Everything is so clean! What a refreshing visit and thank you so much for the stellar customer service.
Simply the Best!
by Christine Laux
Category: orthodontistDr. B. and his team are fantastic: Everyone just truly cares! They are knowledgeable and super helpful, always happy to consult. I recommend CTO not only for children and teens, but for adults as well! My two teenage daughters got their braces and I got my Invisalign. Dr. B. took his time to go over all our treatment plans and make adjustments. The communication is seamless and very responsive. All team members are wonderful - my special shoutout goes to Beatrice and Christen though: Those two lovely ladies go above and beyond with everything they do! Thanks to y’alls fabulous care our teeth are all straight now!
Awesome Experience
by Norma Constancio
Category: orthodontistDr. St. Louis and his staff were wonderful! From their friendly staff, nice office environment and Dr. St. Louis always willing to answer my questions. I would 100% recommend Central Texas Orthodontics to anyone.
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