Orthodontic Treatment in Tolleson & Southwest Valley, AZ
At Olson Orthodontics, we're proud to offer comprehensive orthodontic treatment to patients of all ages throughout Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Avondale, Tolleson, Buckeye, and the greater West Valley, AZ area. Dr. Chris Olson works closely with patients to create detailed, personalized treatment plans that help you achieve a new smile in a way that works for you, and every member of our team is dedicated to delivering five-star customer service. We offer a wide variety of treatment options, and we can treat virtually any orthodontic problem at our practice.
Common Orthodontic Problems
The truth is that while a few people are fortunate enough to be born with perfect teeth, the vast majority of us will develop an orthodontic condition at one point or another. Without treatment, these malocclusions, or bad bites, can contribute to a variety of problems ranging from uneven wear requiring dental restorations to tooth decay and severe TMJ (jaw joint disorder). Thankfully, we offer a range of orthodontic treatments like braces and Invisalign that make it easy to correct these issues and achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. Our practice regularly treats a wide range of orthodontic issues using the latest technologies and techniques, including all of the following common problems.
Underbite
An underbite is a condition marked by a lower jaw that protrudes too far, causing the lower teeth to sit in front of the upper teeth.
Overbite
An overbite often occurs when the upper front teeth sit too far forward in front of the lower front teeth, resulting in excessive overlap of the front teeth. In extreme cases, an overbite can even cause the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth, but it can also cause a "gummy" smile, protruding or ‘flared' teeth, and excessive incisor wear.
Crossbite
Crossbite is a condition marked by the lower teeth sitting outside of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed, which can lead to a host of problems ranging from uneven tooth wear to impaired jaw growth and facial asymmetry.
Crowding
Crowding is among the most common orthodontic conditions, and it's generally the most common reason for braces. Crowding occurs when there's not enough room in the jaw to accommodate all of the teeth, causing the teeth to grow in crooked and out of alignment. In addition to being unsightly, crowding can lead to increased risks of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease because crooked teeth are more difficult to keep clean.
Spacing
Spacing is the opposite of crowding, and it's caused by too much room in the dental arch or small teeth, leaving visible gaps between the smile. In some instances, spacing can be caused by habits such as a tongue thrust or finger sucking habit. Spacing may be purely cosmetic, but it can still cause functional problems. In any case, we can easily correct spacing issues through orthodontic treatment.
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
Upper front teeth protrusion occurs when the upper front teeth extend out too far forward over the lower teeth, impairing both the function and appearance of the smile.
Openbite
An openbite occurs when teeth do not overlap as much as they should. Open bites are most common in the front teeth and can be caused by many factors such as misaligned jaws, a tongue thrust/improper swallow pattern, or finger sucking habits. An openbite can impair speech, bite function, and jaw growth, so it's vital to treat an openbite as quickly as possible.
Dental Midlines not Matched
Dental midlines that do not match are evident when the back bite does not fit and match appropriately. This may negatively impact jaw function and proper dental function.
Contact Your Avondale & Buckeye, AZ Orthodontists
Any of these conditions can cause problems with both the appearance and the function of your teeth and smile, but thankfully, Dr. Olson and his orthodontic team in Litchfield Park and Verrado can correct any of these issues easily, often without the need for extractions or expanders. Contact us today to learn more about the treatments we have to offer, or if you'd like to find out how orthodontic treatment can help you achieve your dream smile, simply request your free consultation online. We can't wait to hear from you!