There are many common orthodontic topics & questions. Below is a collection of the most common, along with Dr. Corbett's answers.

Wear a Mouthguard!

Sport injuries can happen in an instant.
It can be from a blow to the mouth with a ball, hockey or lacrosse stick, a helmet or elbow.
Mouthguards can help prevent or reduce sport injuries to the mouth and reduce the risk of concussions.
Ask your orthodontist about a mouthguard for you.

Orthodontic Work is Beyond Cosmetic

Orthodontic treatment is part of cosmetic dentistry BUT orthodontic treatment analyzes the underlining cause of your cosmetic problem and corrects that to achieve your healthy smile and function.
This approach through orthodontic treatment will give you a long lasting result with less chance of break down and repair in the future.

An Orthodontist specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dento – facial irregularities.
They undergo two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school to correct misaligned teeth and jaws.
Orthodontist work on a dental health team that may include your General Dentist, Periodontists, Pedodontist and Oral Surgeon.
Misaligned teeth have a higher rate of decay and gum disease and can affect your overall health.
Teeth that are not well aligned tend to wear more over time.
Orthodontic treatment is not only for teenagers, 20% of orthodontic cases performed today are on adults.
The first orthodontic visit should be no later than age seven to evaluate for proper growth and development of the teeth and jaws. This way any developing or impending problems can be intercepted or treated.

Cross Bites: Is where the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth. This can occur with the front or back teeth. If untreated this can lead to irregularities in growth and development as well as shifts of the jaw.
Open Bites: Is a common bite problem. It is where the back teeth bite first and the front teeth are open. It is most commonly caused by finger sucking or mouth breathing. This also needs to be corrected as it will get worse over time due to the forces of the tongue.
Deep Bites: Is where the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth too much. Often the bottom teeth cannot be seen.
Crowding:Can be common BUT is not always a indicator of future orthodontic treatment needed. Your orthodontist can evaluate and advise you about this.

More adults are seeking orthodontic treatment for several reasons.
1. We are living longer so it is more important to maintain our teeth for the years to come.
2. Adults are developing a better understanding of dental health.
3. It has become more affordable and attainable.
Healthy teeth can be moved at any age.
There have been many breakthroughs in orthodontic treatment, like clear aligners, that make adult ortho treatment easier and look better.

There are many different indicators that your child may need braces:
1. Are they a finger sucker or mouth breather?
2. Early or late loss of baby teeth.
3. Missing teeth.
4. Are there jaws in proportions with the rest of their face?