What Kind of Dental Issues Can an Orthodontist Fix?

From crooked teeth to misaligned jaws, a Gilbert, AZ, orthodontist can help correct a wide range of dental issues. As experts in straightening smiles, orthodontists undergo extensive training to treat problems related to tooth alignment, bite issues, and facial development.

If you’ve been self-conscious about the way your teeth look or experience discomfort from a misaligned bite, it may be time to see an orthodontist. A trusted provider can skillfully diagnose your specific needs and develop a customized treatment plan.

Whether you have teenage kids entering their orthodontic years or are an adult seeking smile improvements, keep reading to learn more about common dental problems fixed by orthodontists, then you can find more about a Gilbert AZ Orthodontist here.

Straightening Crooked Teeth

One of the most common reasons people seek orthodontic treatment is to fix crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth. An orthodontist will examine your unique bite pattern and create a customized treatment plan involving products like braces or Invisalign clear aligners.

By incrementally shifting your teeth into their optimal positions, an orthodontist can transform even the most crowded mouths into beautifully straight smiles. This not only improves aesthetics but also makes teeth easier to clean and less prone to damage.

Overbites, Underbites, and Crossbites

When the upper and lower jaws don’t properly align, it can result in an overbite or underbite. This is where orthodontic hardware comes in handy. Products like braces use gentle pressure to gradually bring the upper and lower teeth into proper alignment with one another.

Left untreated, severe overbites and underbites can lead to dental fractures, TMJ pain, and trouble speaking or chewing. An experienced orthodontist has the skills to significantly reduce or entirely correct bite alignment issues that impact oral health and function.

Some people even have to deal with malocclusions called crossbites, where one or more of the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than properly outside them. An orthodontist can design custom braces or clear aligner therapy for rotating and guiding the crossbite teeth into their optimal positions relative to the opposing teeth.

Gaps Between Teeth

Noticeable gaps or spaces between certain teeth rank among the most common factors that lead patients to seek orthodontic treatment. Whether due to genetics, missing teeth, or prior dental work, these gaps can really undermine an otherwise healthy smile.

Using various orthodontic techniques, an orthodontist can shift your teeth to steadily close gaps of all sizes. Comprehensive treatment plans will also address crowding that may recur after closing the spaces. This achieves better overall tooth alignment and stability.

Fixing Crowded Teeth

Another extremely common reason people seek orthodontic treatment is to alleviate crowding issues. Crowding occurs when the size of your dental arches cannot adequately accommodate the size of your teeth. This results in crooked, overlapping teeth that are both unsightly and more prone to plaque accumulation and decay.

Using braces, aligners, or similar appliances, an experienced orthodontist can create room in your dental arches to properly align all teeth without crowding.

Visit a Gilbert AZ, Orthodontist for Expert Dental Care

While general dentists handle routine cleanings and minor repairs, orthodontists specialize in intricate movements that optimize tooth alignment and bite function. Whether in Arizona or elsewhere and your needs are moderate or complex, experienced Gilbert AZ Orthodontists like those at Williams Orthodontics have the skills to analyze your unique case and create an effective treatment plan to give you that perfect smile.