Heredity is the main cause although local factors such as finger sucking, high cavity rate, gum disease, trauma and premature loss of baby teeth can also contribute to a bad bite. .

Braces use steady, gentle pressure over time to move teeth into their proper positions. They don't look like they're doing much just sitting there. but in fact, every moment or your orthodontic treatment, there's something happening in your mouth. Something good for you. The brackets we place on your teeth and the main archwire that connects them, are the two main components.The bracket is a piece of specially shaped metal or ceramic that we affix to each tooth. See similar questions...

Normally you would have been given advice regarding the condition and development of the bite during visits to the cleft clinic. If you are still uncertain, then you should see your dentist first who will refer you to a specialist orthodontist for an opinion. There are great benefits in seeing your family dentist for regular dental care regardless if there is a cleft condition or not. However, do not let any teeth be removed without consultation with the Cleft Palate Clinic orthodontist. See similar questions...

Even though most children that age have a number of teeth, some children may have delayed tooth eruption. There is usually no concern about this. See similar questions...

Teething, the process of baby (primary) teeth coming through the gums into the mouth, is variable among individual babies. Some babies get their teeth early and some get them late. In general the first baby teeth are usually the lower front (anterior) teeth and usually begin erupting between the age of 6-8 months. Children's teeth begin forming before birth. See similar questions...

In spite of the careful attention given to informing the patients how important retainers are to prevent the teeth from returning to their crooked position, relapse occurs disconcertingly to the patient and the orthodontist too frequently. This occurs because teeth need time to "permanently set" or grow into their new positions like poured cement setting around a newly placed parking meter. See similar questions...

There may be several options. Only through an examination will I be able to discuss the best option for you. However, there are new treatments now available that are virtually pain free and much more convenient for my patients. Several of these options are found on this website. Our professional whitening work very well. You will notice a change after the first 2-3 applications with your best results after 2 weeks of continuous use. See similar questions...

Teeth can be straightened with orthodontics (braces). This is usually done during the teenage years, when the teeth are going through a period of growth. However, many adults also have treatment to straighten their crooked teeth or to approve their appearance. The procedure can take much longer in adults and is therefore more expensive. See similar questions...

Beyond the loss of self confidence many people feel, crooked teeth are harder to keep clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Sometimes it's harder to chew certain types of healthy, high fiber foods, causing either digestive difficulties or avoidance of the offending foods. Other people may experience discomfort in their jaw joints from the improper alignment of teeth and gums. If your teeth protrude, they may be more likely to chip or fracture. See similar questions...

Begin daily brushing as soon as the child's first tooth erupts. A pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used after the child is old enough not to swallow it. We ask parents to help with at least one brushing a day until age six and then supervise until the child does a thorough job. However, each child is different. Your dentist can help you determine whether the child has the skill level to brush properly. Proper brushing removes plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces. See similar questions...

Proper bite, the arrangement of the teeth, prevents premature breakdown of the teeth and their support. Periodontal (gum) conditions are often aggravated by bad bites. Many times a bad bite may be a symptom of a medical disorder (Chirodontics). Headaches, breathing problems, grinding the teeth, stiff necks, lower back pain, may all be symptoms associated with bad bites. See similar questions...

Teeth move to where all the forces acting on them are equal. If retainers are not worn (retainer FAQ) then something like a tongue thrust, periodontal (gum) disease, or a worn canine (eye) tooth will cause teeth to start shifting. Airway issues are a real problem. Develop allergies and mouthbreathing at night and you have a guarantee that some movement of the teeth will occur. Evaluation for braces, especially re-treatment, must include a medical review and airway/breathing evaluation. See similar questions...