Malocclusion
What is malocclusion?
Malocclusion, also known as misaligned teeth, is an abnormal alignment of the upper and lower teeth.
Misaligned teeth can happen as teeth develop or from childhood habits like thumb sucking. If left untreated, misaligned teeth can lead to oral health complications such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and crowded teeth.
Different Types of Malocclusions
Crowding
What are crowded teeth?
When you don’t have enough room in your jaw for your teeth to fit normally, your teeth can bunch up, overlap and twist, sometimes getting to the front of the back.
Symptoms/Signs:
Biting lips, cheeks, or tongue; lisping; speech changes; chipping or wearing of teeth; food traps; bad breath; difficulty flossing; jaw pain; headaches.
Gapped Teeth
What are gap teeth?
When you have extra space between two or more of your teeth.
Symptoms/Signs:
Biting lips, cheeks, or tongue; lisping; speech changes; food traps; bad breath.
Overbite (deep bite)
What is an overbite?
An overbite is when your upper front teeth overlap with your lower front teeth. Most people have at least a little overbite.
Symptoms/Signs:
Cold sensitivity; receding gums; indentations at the gum line; chipping or wearing of teeth; dry mouth; mouth breathing; jaw pain; headaches.
Underbite
What is an underbite?
An underbite is when you close your mouth, and your lower front teeth are in front of your upper teeth. In many cases, this is a result of your lower jaw being too far forward.
Symptoms/ Signs:
Difficulty chewing properly and speaking clearly; chipping or wearing of teeth
Crossbite
What is a crossbite?
When you close your mouth and some of your upper teeth are sitting inside your lower teeth — rather than on the outside like they normally would.
Symptoms/signs:
Receding gums; indentations at the gum line; chipping or wearing of teeth.
Open Bite
What is an open bite?
If your upper and lower teeth don’t touch when your mouth is closed.
Symptoms/signs:
Cold sensitivity; receding gums; indentations at the gum line; biting lips, cheeks, or tongue; lisping; speech changes; dry mouth breathing; jaw pain; headaches.
Baby and Permanent Teeth (Phase 1 Treatment)
What is Phase One Orthodontics treatment?
Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, otherwise known as an early interceptive treatment, is an orthodontic procedure that is done for children before all of their permanent teeth erupt, and often occurs between the ages of six and ten.
ITero Scanner
Introducing iTero Element Scanner
At RICD, we strive to keep up with the latest technology to best serve our patients. Even under the greatest conditions, taking goopy impressions were uncomfortable, unreliable, and unpleasant. We are proud to offer this new goop-free, full digital alternative to taking impressions, at all of our offices, the iTero Element Scanner.
Not only are new digital impressions more comfortable, they are much more accurate! The iTero Scanner takes an incredibly detailed impression of your teeth and gums. Once the scan is complete, your orthodontist and dentist at Rhode Island Children’s Dentistry will then have a 3D model of your mouth that can be used to create more detailed, accurate crowns, bridges, implants, and Invisalign clear aligners and retainers!
This new digital accuracy at RICD will eliminate any need to retake yucky impressions, keeping your time here in the chair to an absolute minimum!
Invisalign Made Easy
1. Complimentary Consultation
Meet with Dr. Gordon & Dr. Neely and get a sneak peek at your new smile. Using the Itero Element Scanner, we will take a precise 3D digital scan of your teeth and map out a custom treatment plan just for you.
2. Start transforming your smile right from the first fitting
- Start wearing your aligners
- Regular doctor check-ins
- Your routine uninterrupted – your Invisalign Aligners are virtually transparent and easy to take out! Keep brushing and eating as you normally would
Orthodontics in East Greenwich & Coventry, RI
Scheduling an orthodontic consultation with Rhode Island Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics can provide valuable insight into you or your child’s dental health. Contact us to learn more about what to expect from your first orthodontic appointment and to schedule your consultation with RICD Orthodontics today.
