The word orthodontics comes from the Greek words 'ortho' meaning straight and 'odons' meaning tooth. Orthodontics is about a change for the better, regardless of your age.

Malocclusions (irregular teeth/bites) come in various types and combinations. Here are some examples:

Crowding

Crowding is when teeth overlap each other due to the lack of space. Crowding can be in the upper or lower teeth.

Crowding, Crossbites, Irregular gum margins

Irregular gum lines occur when gum margins are not evenly placed because of irregular positions of teeth.

Crowding with Open bite

Spacing

Spacing or gaps between teeth can be in the upper and/or lower teeth. It occurs for several reasons such as teeth that are too small, tongue thrust, abnormal tissue tags etc.

Spacing with Crossbite

Deepbites

When the upper teeth overlap the bottom front teeth excessively, it is known as deepbite.

Impinging bite

This is a severe form of deepbite. Here the lower teeth bite into the upper gums behind the upper front teeth.

Openbite

Openbite is when upper teeth do not meet the lower teeth. Openbites could be anterior (front) or lateral (side).

Crossbites

Crossbites or underbite is when lower teeth/lower jaw are more forward or outside the upper teeth/ upper jaw. Crossbites can be of a single tooth, multiple teeth or all teeth. It is often a symptom of Class III malocclusion.

Bimaxillary protrusion

Bimaxillary protrusion is when upper and lower teeth are too far forward leading to lips not closing well, prominent lip region and tension in the chin area. It may lead to mouth breathing, gum inflammation, bad breath etc.

Overjet

Overjet or buck teeth is when upper front teeth are too far forward compared to the lower front teeth. It is often a symptom of Class II malocclusion. Thumb sucking can often lead to this.

Irregular Midlines (centerlines)

Irregular midlines occurs when centerlines of the upper and lower jaws do not line up with each other and do not line up with the center of the face.

Eye tooth (canine) stuck in bone (impacted)

Impacted teeth, generally occurs when there is inadequate space in the jaw causing the tooth to grow in a wrong direction which then results in it getting stuck. This could occur with any tooth but it mostly occurs with the canines (Eye teeth)

Front tooth stuck in bone (impacted)

Bad oral habits like thumb sucking or finger sucking (beyond 4 years of age), tongue thrusting, lip biting, cheek biting need to be addressed and corrected. These can be corrected through orthodontics. If left uncorrected, they may lead to protruding front teeth, the narrowing of the upper jaw, posterior (back) crossbites and anterior/lateral (front/side) openbite. It may also lead to tongue thrust habit.

Tongue thrusting is an abnormal swallowing habit. It can be anterior (to the front) or lateral (to the side). If left uncorrected, it may lead to the corresponding teeth becoming flared/protruded, thus leading to an openbite.

Crowded teeth are hard to clean and plaque that collects on teeth or under the gum line may contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and even tooth loss. Impacted teeth can eat away at the roots of adjacent teeth and they can even get cystic.

Bites that are off, such as Class II (buck teeth, overbite or deep bite) Class, III (underbite), crossbites, openbites, etc., are due to poor positions of teeth and or jaws. Uncorrected bad bites generally get worse with time and may lead to abnormal wearing of teeth, difficulty in chewing, distortion of supporting bone, tooth loss and gum disease.

Openbites can lead to gum disease, speech problems, abnormal tongue postures and mouth breathing. Poor alignment of teeth can also contribute to pain in the jaw joints.

Orthodontic treatment can correct these problems in your teeth and/or bite, place them in healthy and stable positions in your jaw bones. You can expect healthier teeth, gums and to have a better smile leading to improved self-confidence.

Dr. Violet agrees with the American Association of Orthodontists' recommendation that all children should have a check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7 or at the first sign of an orthodontic problem. By 7, children have a mix of permanent and baby teeth—enough for an orthodontist to detect even subtle problems. Treatment is rarely necessary at this age. But an early check-up gives Dr. Violet the opportunity to monitor growth and development so that treatment can begin at the best time for each patient.

Even if your child is older than 7, it's not too late for a check-up. Great smiles and confidence are valuable at any age; adults can enjoy a better smile, too.

"Dr. Violet is wonderful not only with the kids but the adults also. She offers thorough and easy to understand explanations regarding treatment options, throughout the course of the treatment. My daughter loves going in to see her."

- Cheryl Winters, Mother of Lindsey Winters

" The treatment given to me by Dr. Violet definitely made having braces a lot easier. Although I had heard many horror stories about braces, I have found through the months that I have had them, that they were not true. When following Dr. Violets' directions, I experienced nothing but enjoying the progress the braces were making."

- Thomas Jackson,