Class II problems represent an abnormal bite relationship in which the upper jaw and teeth are located in front of the lower jaw and teeth. Class II patients usually exhibit a convex facial profile with a recessed chin. In most cases this relationship is due to inherent characteristics.

A skeletal Class II problem occurs when the upper back molars are forward of the lower back molars…this gives the patient the appearance of a recessed lower jaw or an upper jaw that is protrusive or both.

Crowded or Overlapped Teeth can be successfully treated (without pulling permanent teeth) with either partial or full braces. Minor problems can be corrected in a matter of a few months while more severe cases may require up to two years of treatment. Treatment time can be dramatically shortened (often halved) with specialized technology. In children under ten, a decision may be made to wait for further eruption of permanent teeth, and in severe cases expanders may be placed prior to braces to develop the dental arches. In order to enhance the stability of the final result, our office offers permanent retainers to help maintain your smile for the rest of your life.

When the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth too much, an unhealthy Overbite, or Deep Bite results which may cause damage to the teeth, gums, and jaw joints. Full braces will be required to "unlock" and "open" the bite. Treatment time ranges anywhere from the traditional 24 months to as short as 10-16 months with specialized technology. In children under ten, a decision may be made to wait for further eruption of the permanent teeth before starting active treatment. In order to enhance the stability of the final result, our office offers permanent retainers to help maintain your smile for the rest of your life.

When the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth rather than outside, an expander together with full or partial braces may be required to fix the Crossbite. In order to avoid asymmetrical jaw growth, crossbites are usually treated as soon as the problem is diagnosed (sometimes as early as age five or six). Successful correction can still be achieved well into the teens and even into adulthood. Crossbite elastic rubber bands or, in severe cases, Orthognathic Jaw Surgery may be required to aid in the final correction. In order to enhance the stability of the final result, our office offers permanent retainers to help maintain your smile for the rest of your life. Early treatment with expanders can often only be accomplished over the course of only 6-18 months. More complex cases involving braces together with the expanders can still be completed within the traditional 24 month period. Treatment time involving specialized technology can be dramatically reduced(often halved).

Noticeably large gaps between the teeth can be successfully treated with full braces. Small spaces can usually be corrected in a matter of a few months while larger gaps may require 18-24 months of treatment. With specialized technology, treatment time can be dramatically shortened (often halved). In children under ten, small gaps between the upper front teeth are relatively common, so a decision may be made to wait for further eruption of permanent teeth before starting active treatment. In order to enhance the stability of the final result, our office offers permanent retainers to help maintain your smile for the rest of your life.

An Open Bite occurs when you can stick your tongue between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are together. Often, a tongue thrusting or thumb sucking habit accentuates this problem and may interfere with proper bite correction. Effective treatment may involve tongue retraining exercises and thumb sucking cessation devices followed up with full braces and anterior elastic rubber bands. In severe cases, Orthognathic Jaw Surgery in conjunction with orthodontic treatment during adulthood may be indicated. Children under ten should be monitored closely for any abnormal neuromuscular habits. Habit appliances can be easily fabricated at this age to alter existing habit patterns. In order to enhance the stability of the final result, our office offers permanent retainers to help maintain your smile for the rest of your life. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment time for open bite correction ranges from the traditional 18-24 months to as short as 10-16 months with specialized technology.

Class III problems are also primarily genetic in origin. In this instance the lower jaw and teeth are positioned in front of the upper jaw and teeth. Facially, the appearance may give the impression that the lower jaw is excessively large, but in many cases the lack of upper jaw development is at fault. There are several treatment options to correct a Class III problem.

Pseudo Class III, particularly in younger patients, is a function of habit and not necessarily hereditary and thus not a true skeletal Class III. A misaligned bite may cause the lower teeth to bite forward of the upper teeth giving the appearance of a Class III.

Interceptive treatment is imperative to prevent abnormal growth of both the upper and lower jaws.

Also known as a gummy smile, this orthodontic problem gives the appearance of excessive exposed gums on the upper arch. There are several treatment options for this problem. In severe cases surgery may be necessary to actually remove a section of the upper jaw shifting the jaw upward vertically reducing the amount of exposure of the upper gum tissue.