Treatment does more than straighten teeth. It also addresses bite problems, crowding, jaw development and other concerns that affect how the teeth and jaws function together. At Horton Orthodontics in Woodbury, MN, each patient receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. Understanding common orthodontic issues helps patients and families recognize when it may be time for an evaluation.
Crowded or Crooked Teeth
Crowding occurs when there’s not enough space for teeth to align properly. As a result, teeth may overlap, twist, or become crooked. These are common orthodontic issues we address with several treatment options, depending on the patient’s needs. Addressing these issues early helps guide teeth into better alignment and support a healthier bite.
Metal braces use brackets and archwires to apply gentle pressure that gradually moves teeth into proper alignment. Custom clear aligners offer another option, using a series of personalized aligners to gently move teeth into their desired positions. For certain patients, TAD expanders or MARPE treatment may help create the space needed for proper tooth alignment.
Overcrowding and Lack of Space
Overcrowding may affect more than the appearance of a smile. When teeth don’t have enough room to develop and align properly, treatment helps create space and improve alignment.
We offer expansion treatments designed to widen the upper or lower jaw and create space for proper tooth alignment. TAD expanders use temporary anchorage devices to support controlled jaw expansion, while MARPE uses a specialized expander supported by TADs. These treatments provide customized options for patients experiencing orthodontic issues related to limited space.
Bite Abnormalities
A healthy bite depends on the upper and lower teeth coming together properly. Bite abnormalities are among the most common orthodontic issues and affect how the teeth function together.
Metal braces provide a durable and reliable way to address bite problems by using brackets and archwires to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. For patients with more complex concerns, Dr. Horton works collaboratively with oral and maxillofacial surgeons to combine braces with surgical procedures and create a tailored treatment plan designed for successful results.
Impacted Teeth
Sometimes a tooth doesn’t emerge properly and becomes impacted. Impacted teeth represent another type of issue that requires specialized treatment. We specialize in treating impacted canines and work to achieve the best possible outcome while helping patients avoid unnecessary extractions.
Treatment for impacted teeth involves care designed to guide the tooth into its proper position. For more complex cases, Dr. Horton may coordinate surgical treatment with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Jaw Development Concerns
The development and position of the jaws play an important role in proper tooth alignment and bite function. We offer specialized treatment options for orthodontic issues that require additional space or jaw expansion.
Early treatment focuses on monitoring a child’s teeth and jaw development. We recommend bringing children in for their first appointment by age 7 or when a concern first appears. After evaluating the child’s mouth and dental history, Dr. Horton may recommend regular monitoring or an interceptive treatment plan tailored to the child.
For older children, teens and adults who need jaw expansion, TAD expanders and MARPE treatment provide additional options. TAD expanders are often recommended for patients ages 12 to 17, while MARPE is especially beneficial for older teens and adults with advanced jaw development.
How We Create a Personalized Treatment Plan
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for orthodontic issues. We take time to analyze and diagnose each patient before creating a customized treatment plan. Our practice provides a wide range of services, including metal braces, custom clear aligners, custom clear braces, expansion, surgery and other specialized treatments.
Custom clear braces use 3D imaging and 3D printing to create brackets tailored to each patient’s dental anatomy. This customized approach helps optimize treatment efficiency and precision while providing a lightweight, low-profile option.
Maintaining Your Results
Once your orthodontic issues have been addressed, ongoing care helps keep your smile properly aligned. We recommend retainers to help keep teeth in alignment after treatment. Patients may receive clear, removable Essix retainers or aligners, while some patients benefit from a fixed retainer.
Addressing Your Needs
From crooked teeth and crowding to bite abnormalities, impacted teeth and jaw development concerns, we offer personalized solutions for a wide range of orthodontic issues. Knowing your treatment needs is the first step toward determining which treatment approach best fits your smile. We combine comprehensive treatment options with customized care to address each patient’s unique needs.
If you’ve noticed potential orthodontic issues in yourself or your child, an evaluation helps determine whether treatment is appropriate. At our practice in Woodbury, MN, we provide individualized care designed to create straight, functional smiles that support long-term oral health.
Fixing Common Orthodontic Issues: Request Your Complimentary Consultation Today
Ready to address your orthodontic issues and explore your treatment options? Request your complimentary consultation today. Our team will assess your smile, answer your questions and help determine the right approach for your individual needs and goals.