Orthodontics, the branch of dentistry focused on correcting teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly, has witnessed significant advancements over the years. As dental challenges grow in complexity, the necessity for multifaceted treatments becomes evident.
This article will discuss the combined treatments employed by Dr. Ryan Redford and Dr. Michael Burke at Burke & Redford Orthodontists to address intricate dental problems used successfully over the past 30 years with excellent patient results and exemplary reviews.
Addressing Severe Overbite and Misalignment
– Condition: A severe overbite, medically termed as “deep bite,” occurs when the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth when the jaws are closed. This condition may lead to several complications, including gum irritation, wear on the front teeth, and collapse of the lower third of the face.
– Treatment:
– Self-ligating Braces (Metal braces, Ceramic, Damon system): These are specialized types of braces that do not require the traditional elastic ties. They employ a slide mechanism to hold the archwire, allowing teeth to move more freely, quickly, and comfortably.
– Bite Turbos: These small devices sit on the back of the upper front teeth and are not visible when smiling. They help to establish proper vertical overlap of the front teeth and are used in combination with braces or Invisalign, improving both function and appearance.
– Duration and Outcome: The combined treatment generally lasts between 12-30 months, resulting in a harmonious bite and improved facial aesthetics.
Managing Underdeveloped Upper Jaw and Crossbite
– Condition: An underdeveloped upper jaw can lead to a condition called an anterior crossbite, where the upper front teeth set behind the lower front teeth. If left untreated, this can result in front tooth wear and facial asymmetry.
– Treatment:
– Palatal Expander: This appliance methodically widens the upper jaw by applying forces to the growth plate that runs from front to back down the center of the upper jaw. In growing children expansion is a predictable and relatively pain free process.
– Reverse pull headgear: Aimed at rectifying the jaw discrepancy, this device guides the growth of the upper jaw forward.
– Duration and Outcome: Treatment duration varies but often ranges between 6 to 12 months. Successful therapy results in a broadened upper arch and a rectified bite.
Correcting Significant Misalignment and Bite Issues
– Condition: Profound misalignment pertains to teeth that deviate significantly from their intended position, affecting the bite and overall oral function.
– Treatment:
– Self-ligating Braces (Metal, Ceramic braces, Damon system): These braces, given their self-ligating nature, are particularly effective for comprehensive corrections.
– Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs): These small titanium anchors serve as fixed points from which forces can be applied to move teeth.
– Duration and Outcome: Depending on the severity, treatment can last from 12 to 30 months, culminating in a well-aligned bite and enhanced oral function.
Addressing Crossbites
– Condition: A crossbite is characterized by the upper teeth/jaw being too narrow relative to the lower jaw. This condition can impair chewing, lead to increased wear on the biting surfaces of the teeth, and cause the lower jaw to shift to the side when biting down.
– Treatment:
– Palatal expander: This device, as described above, widens the upper jaw by expanding its growth plate. Timing of crossbite correction is important as the growth plate in older adolescents and adults is no longer pliable and surgical intervention is needed for crossbite correction.
– Quad-helix appliances: This is a device similar to a palatal expander in that it helps to widen the upper arch.
– Duration and Outcome: Treatment can range from 3-6 months. Successful treatment results in a harmonized jaw relationship and resolution of shifting when biting down.
Managing Open Bites
– Condition: An open bite occurs when the front upper and lower teeth do not touch/overlap in the vertical direction when biting down. This can result from habits like thumb sucking, leading to speech impediments and difficulty chewing. Open bites can also result from poor jaw position.
– Treatment:
– Tongue crib: Positioned behind the upper front teeth, this appliance acts as a barrier, preventing the tongue from pushing forward through the front teeth.
– Habit appliances: These devices help to correct an open bite by discouraging finger or thumb sucking habits.
– Temporary anchorage devices (TADs): These are small anchor points that can be used to help correct open bites by intruding molar teeth which in turn helps the lower jaw to hinge closed.
– Duration and Outcome: The course of treatment often lasts between 6 to 30 months, depending on the cause and severity of the open bite. The end goal is bringing the front teeth together, thereby improving function and aesthetics.
Rectifying Spacing Issues and Diastema
– Condition: Spacing issues refer to noticeable gaps between teeth, with the most prominent being diastema or a gap between the two upper front teeth.
– Treatment:
– Braces, Invisalign or Teen Invisalign: These orthodontic tools move teeth predictably and with precision to close gaps.
– Hawley retainer: These classic retainers can be fabricated with special springs/wires to help with minor movement of teeth. While not as predictable as braces or aligners, this can be an inexpensive and effective option in some simple cases.
– Duration and Outcome: Treatment duration usually ranges between 6 to 24 months. The result is a harmonious dental arch with even spacing and a pleasing smile.
Correction of Overjet
– Condition: Overjet, often confused with overbite, refers to the horizontal projection of upper teeth over the lower teeth. It may result from habits like thumb sucking or due to skeletal discrepancies.
– Treatment:
– Forsus Appliance: This spring device is mounted inside the mouth, connecting the upper braces to the lower braces, pushing the upper teeth backward while moving the lower arch forward.
– Herbst Appliance: This device is mounted inside the mouth and like the Forsus appliance connects the upper jaw to the lower jaw. Mechanically, it moves upper teeth backward while moving the lower arch forward. It tends to be more durable than a Forsus appliance and is used in more extreme cases of overjet.
– Elastics: Orthodontic elastics or rubber bands can also be used in conjunction with braces or Invisalign to correct overjet.
– Carriere Distalizer: Orthodontic elastics or rubber bands can also be used in conjunction with this device to correct large overjet (if cooperation is good). This is often an attractive method of correcting overjet before Invisalign treatment is started.
– Duration and Outcome: Treatment spans typically from 12 to 30 months, resulting in an aligned set of teeth and a balanced jaw relationship.
Enhancing Treatment Efficiency and Comfort
– Condition: In our rapidly evolving world, patients often seek efficient and comfortable orthodontic solutions.
– Treatment:
– Invisalign: A series of clear, removable aligners customized to the patient’s teeth.
– AcceleDent/Propel: These devices can potentially accelerate bone remodeling, shortening treatment duration.
– Duration and Outcome: Incorporating these methods can reduce overall treatment time while ensuring patient comfort and optimal results.
Retention and Long-Term Stability
– Condition: Post-treatment, it is imperative to ensure that the teeth maintain their new positions.
– Treatment:
– Retainers (Fixed or Removable): Custom-made devices designed to hold teeth in their corrected positions.
– Orthodontic elastics: These can be used in conjunction with retainers to maintain bite alignment.
– Duration and Outcome: While initial retainer wear is full-time, long-term use, often during the night, ensures lasting results.
Thousands of Happy Patients for Over 30 Years
Orthodontic challenges are varied and multifaceted. Through combined orthodontic approaches, Dr. Ryan Redford and Dr. Michael Burke at Burke & Redford Orthodontists in Temecula and Lake Elsinore address complex dental challenges, ensuring patients achieve both functional and aesthetic satisfaction.
For consultations and questions about your orthodontic options for children and teens, call (951) 699-8011 and talk with our staff during business hours.
Here are our contact details for your convenience:
Temecula Office
Address: 41238 Margarita Rd Ste 101, Temecula, CA 92591
Phone: (951) 699-8011
Office Hours: M-F 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Lake Elsinore Office
Address: 351 Railroad Canyon Rd Ste C, Lake Elsinore, CA 92532
Phone: (951) 699-8011
Office Hours: Open 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.