FAQs

• Crowding which can jeopardize bone and gum support.
• Protruding upper front teeth which are prone to injury and fracture.
• Open bite where the front teeth do not meet making chewing very difficult.
• Spacing resulting from missing or small teeth.
• Crossbite (top teeth are inside the lowers) causing wear and bite problems.
• Underbite (lower jaw longer than the upper) resulting in poor bite.

Most orthodontic problems are inherited, but some are acquired or environmental—such as from thumb sucking. The good news is that all orthodontic problems can be improved and the side effects eliminated with treatment.

Straight teeth are so much more than a beautiful smile. At Epic, our orthodontists focus on giving you a pleasing smile as well as a healthier bite to improve both your self-confidence and ability to clean your teeth. With those benefits you should be able to maintain your healthy smile for a lifetime. Since crooked teeth are harder to clean and maintain, people with crowding tend to have more tooth decay and gum problems than people who have had orthodontic treatment. A beautiful healthy smile translates into happiness, invites communication, and opens the doors to success and fulfillment.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be seen at about age 7-8 years to minimize problems. Research has shown that orthodontic problems affect 89% of children 12 to 17 years of age.

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has successfully completed at least two academic years of continuous advanced studies in an orthodontic program of a dental school or institution which is approved by the American Dental Association. This advanced training includes such diverse studies as physics, embryology, genetics, human growth and development, skeletal and dental analysis, biophysics, and mechanical engineering. Only dentists with this advanced education can practice as and be called orthodontists.