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Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the correction of misaligned teeth and jaws. While many people may think of orthodontics as a cosmetic procedure, the importance of orthodontics extends far beyond just improving the appearance of your smile. In fact, orthodontic treatment can have a significant impact on your overall oral health and quality of life.

One of the main benefits of orthodontics is that it can help to prevent dental health problems. When teeth are misaligned, it can be difficult to properly clean them, which can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Orthodontic treatment can help to realign the teeth and jaws, making it easier to brush and floss effectively and reduce the risk of these dental health problems.

Orthodontic treatment can also improve the function of the teeth and jaws. Misaligned teeth and jaws can cause issues with biting, chewing, and speaking, which can lead to discomfort and difficulty with everyday activities. Misalignment left untreated may have long-term negative consequences including excessive tooth wear, jaw/joint pain (i.e. Temporomandibular Joint Disfunction), gum recession, tooth mobility, and bone loss. Orthodontic treatment can correct these issues, improving the function of the teeth and jaws and making it easier to perform everyday tasks.

In addition to the practical benefits, orthodontics can also have a positive impact on a person's self-esteem and overall quality of life. A healthy and attractive smile can boost confidence and improve social interactions, leading to a better overall quality of life.

It is important to visit an orthodontist for a consultation if you are concerned about the alignment of your teeth or jaws. Early detection and treatment can often lead to better results and can prevent more serious dental health problems from occurring in the future. While orthodontic treatment can take some time, the long-term benefits to your oral health and overall quality of life make it well worth the investment.

NOTE: The author, Dr. Graydon Carr, is a board-certified orthodontist who is in the private practice of orthodontics in Chico, California with his partner Dr. B. Scott Hood. Dr. Graydon Carr was trained at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, California, and the University of Nevada at Las Vegas School of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Dr. Graydon Carr & Dr. B. Scott Hood’s are experts in two-phase treatment, extraction and non-extraction therapy, functional orthodontics, clear aligners (Invisalign), and multiple bracket systems. This blog is for informational purposes only and is designed to help consumers understand currently accepted orthodontic concepts. It is not a venue for debating alternative treatment theories. Dr. B. Scott Hood & Dr. Graydon Carr are licensed to diagnose and treat patients in the state of California. They cannot diagnose cases described in comments nor can they select treatment plans for readers. The opinions expressed here are protected by copyright laws and can only be used with written permission from the author.

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Orthodontic treatment is a type of dental care that focuses on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. One common problem that orthodontists often encounter is class 2 malocclusion, which refers to a condition in which the upper teeth protrude significantly beyond the lower teeth. This can result in an excessive overjet, or the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth, and an excessive overbite, or the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth.

Patients with class 2 malocclusion often also have mandibular retrognathia, which is a condition in which the lower jaw is underdeveloped or recessed compared to the upper jaw. This can result in a variety of problems, including difficulty biting and chewing, speech impairments, airway disturbances, and facial asymmetry.

Orthodontists have several treatment options available to address class 2 malocclusion, excessive overjets, and overbites in patients with mandibular retrognathia. These options may include:

1. Braces: Traditional metal braces are a common treatment option for patients with class 2 malocclusion. The braces apply gentle pressure to the teeth to gradually move them into their correct positions. Braces are generally paired with orthodontic elastics which help to align your bite into an ideal position. Elastics are placed onto the brackets themselves by the patient themselves. Elastic rubber bands help align your bite and are very important for the bite-fixing phase of orthodontic treatment, which is usually the longest and most difficult part of the whole process.
2. Herbst Appliance: A Herbst appliance is an orthodontic device that helps align the upper and lower jaws, correcting bite discrepancies such as an excessive overjet and/or overbite. If your child is suffering from an excessive overjet or overbite, this functional appliance works 24 hours a day to influence jaw growth and improve the position of a recessed lower jaw.
3. Headgear: Headgear is a type of orthodontic appliance that is worn on the head and attached to the braces. It helps to correct overbites by applying pressure to the upper jaw to encourage it to grow forward.
4. Invisalign Mandibular Advancement: Invisalign treatment with mandibular advancement is meant for tweens and teens presenting with retrognathic Class II malocclusions in permanent dentition or stable late mixed dentition. The special feature of enhanced precision wings for Invisalign treatment with mandibular advancement are integrated into the Invisalign aligners.
5. Removable appliances: Removable appliances, such as aligners or clear plastic retainers, can be worn to gently move the teeth into their correct positions. These appliances are often used in conjunction with braces to achieve optimal results.
6. Surgery: In severe cases of mandibular retrognathia, surgery may be necessary to correct the position of the lower jaw. This type of procedure is typically reserved for patients who have not responded to other treatment options or have severe jaw deformities.

Regardless of the treatment option chosen, it is important for patients to follow their orthodontist's instructions and attend all scheduled appointments in order to achieve the best possible results. With proper treatment, patients with class 2 malocclusion, overjets, overbites, and mandibular retrognathia can achieve a more functional and aesthetically pleasing smile.

NOTE: The author, Dr. Graydon Carr, is a board-certified orthodontist who is in the private practice of orthodontics in Chico, California with his partner Dr. B. Scott Hood. Dr. Graydon Carr was trained at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, California, and the University of Nevada at Las Vegas School of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Dr. Graydon Carr & Dr. B. Scott Hood’s are experts in two-phase treatment, extraction and non-extraction therapy, functional orthodontics, clear aligners (Invisalign), and multiple bracket systems. This blog is for informational purposes only and is designed to help consumers understand currently accepted orthodontic concepts. It is not a venue for debating alternative treatment theories. Dr. B. Scott Hood & Dr. Graydon Carr are licensed to diagnose and treat patients in the state of California. They cannot diagnose cases described in comments nor can they select treatment plans for readers. The opinions expressed here are protected by copyright laws and can only be used with written permission from the author.

Orthodontic treatment, also known as braces or aligners, is a common dental treatment used to correct misaligned teeth and improve the overall function and appearance of the smile. However, there is a common misconception that orthodontic treatment can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues or temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).

It is important to understand that TMJ issues and TMD are multifactorial in origin, meaning they can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, trauma, occlusal disturbances (issues), stress, and most importantly – individual adaptability. There are many conditions that can cause pain in the area of the TMJ that are not related to the teeth at all. Some are serious like degenerative arthritis and certain cancers. Others are related to functional habits like clenching and grinding.

While cross bites and open bites may be linked to joint problems, not all imperfect bites result in TMD. Many orthodontic patients have imperfect bites, and yet very few report TMJ issues or TMD. And in other instances, many patients who report severe TMJ pain often have ideal bites. This simple observation supports the scientific studies that have separated the fields of TMJ and orthodontics. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that orthodontic treatment causes TMJ issues or TMD.

Except for two exceptions, malocclusion (imperfect bite) in general cannot be linked to a higher prevalence of joint problems. The two exceptions are a posterior cross bite that causes the jaw to shift to one side upon closure, and an anterior open bite where all the biting force is on the back teeth only and the front teeth do not touch at all.

Some people may be more susceptible to developing TMJ issues or TMD due to certain risk factors, such as a history of jaw injury or a family history of the condition. However, these risk factors do not include orthodontic treatment.

In fact, orthodontic treatment can actually help alleviate TMJ issues and TMD by correcting misaligned teeth and improving the overall function of the jaw. Properly aligned teeth can help distribute the force of biting and chewing evenly across the jaw, reducing strain on the TMJ.

It is important to address any concerns about TMJ issues or TMD with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a dentist or an orthodontist. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.

NOTE: The author, Dr. Graydon Carr, is a board-certified orthodontist who is in the private practice of orthodontics in Chico, California with his partner Dr. B. Scott Hood. Dr. Graydon Carr was trained at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, California, and the University of Nevada at Las Vegas School of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Dr. Graydon Carr & Dr. B. Scott Hood’s are experts in two-phase treatment, extraction and non-extraction therapy, functional orthodontics, clear aligners (Invisalign), and multiple bracket systems. This blog is for informational purposes only and is designed to help consumers understand currently accepted orthodontic concepts. It is not a venue for debating alternative treatment theories. Dr. B. Scott Hood & Dr. Graydon Carr are licensed to diagnose and treat patients in the state of California. They cannot diagnose cases described in comments nor can they select treatment plans for readers. The opinions expressed here are protected by copyright laws and can only be used with written permission from the author.