5 Common Bite Problems That Orthodontics Can Help!

Have you found yourself wondering, “Do I need braces?” or “Am I a candidate for Invisalign?” Perhaps you have been more self-conscious of your smile’s appearance lately. Misaligned teeth can cause not just a lack of confidence but more severe issues over time, such as speech problems, issues chewing, and worn-down teeth. Crooked teeth can also result in cavities or gum disease, as misaligned teeth make it more difficult to properly brush and floss.

Fortunately, orthodontics can help correct these issues and make it easier to smile, chew, speak, and care for your teeth. Look below to learn more about some of the most common bite problems and see how an orthodontist can help solve them.

Common Bite Issues

While you may just see your teeth as “crooked,” there are terms that can help better define the spacing or alignment issue you’re experiencing. Here are five of the most common ones:

1. Crossbite – when the lower teeth are outside of the upper teeth.
2. Underbite – when the lower jaw is in front of the upper jaw.
3. Overbite – when the top front teeth sit beyond the bottom front teeth.
4. Open Bite – when the front teeth don’t overlap at all, but the back teeth meet.
5. Deep Bite – when the upper teeth cover the bottom teeth (but the bite is closed).

While these are the main types of bite problems that we see, we also tend to see issues like protruding front teeth, spacing issues, overcrowding, and other misalignments that can be corrected by orthodontia.

No matter the bite problem you’re experiencing, we can come up with an orthodontic treatment plan to address the issue and give you your perfect smile. Our treatments work by envisioning your ideal smile and then using traditional braces or Invisalign to slowly move your teeth into alignment (usually over the course of months, often in a year or less).

Schedule a Free Consultation

The best way to find the proper course of treatment to achieve your ideal smile is to contact us for a consultation. At Adirondack Orthodontics, we offer free consultations that include X-rays, a 3D scan, and an orthodontic evaluation. 

Call or text us today to schedule your first appointment at your nearest location; we have six offices in the Capital Region to best serve you! 

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Summer Snacks That Are Safe for Braces

Summer is the season when people love to go on vacation and enjoy the sweeter things in life! However, while people undergoing orthodontic treatment can safely enjoy most summer fun, anyone with braces will know that they should be a little more careful about what they eat. 

It is pretty common knowledge that people with braces should avoid foods that are hard or sticky, as they can get stuck in the brackets, leaving sugar on the teeth and causing tooth decay. Some of the worst foods to eat with braces include caramel, gum, and popcorn. 

If you want to continue enjoying these sweet treats and sticky goodies, Invisalign may be the ideal orthodontic treatment for you, as you can take the aligners out when eating. If you do have braces, however, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some of the best summer snacks still!  

Here are a few sweet (and savory) summertime treats we’ve put together for your eating pleasure.

Safe Summertime Snacks 

Many summertime favorites are safe to eat with braces. Take a look at just a few: 

• Fruits – Watermelon, bananas, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and ripe/soft fruit are fine to eat with braces. Plus, these fruits are perfect for cooling down on a sultry day or enjoying while on a picnic!
• Seafood – Most types of seafood are perfectly fine to eat if you have braces, including fish, crab meat, lobster meat, and more. If you’re someone who craves fresh seafood in the summer, go ahead and indulge!
• Ice Cream – As long as there are no pieces of hard, sticky candy in the cone or bowl, ice cream is a perfect summer treat for someone with braces. Just be sure to brush your teeth after, like you would with any sugary food.
• Smoothies & Milkshakes – Perfect after a workout or to cool down on a balmy day, smoothies and milkshakes make it easy to enjoy all the flavors you love without anything getting stuck in your braces!

Plenty of other foods can help you beat the heat and cool down without interfering with your braces. Just remember that some foods should be cut into smaller pieces. And, of course, don’t forget to follow daily tooth brushing and flossing guidelines to take care of your teeth while enjoying the summer!

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