In our society today, having straight teeth is more important than ever. Nicely aligned teeth not only help raise self-esteem, but helps with many other oral problems as well. Crooked teeth can contribute to chewing difficulties, jaw joint pain, abnormal wear of the teeth, difficulties with oral hygiene, and breathing disorders.
Malocclusion is the term used when the upper teeth do not fit the lower teeth. A malocclusion may be just tooth related but is often accompanied by malformations of the upper or lower jaws. If caught early in life, this skeletal problem can be treated with removable appliances or braces or a combination of the two. This prevents later problems with breathing disorders such sleep apnea.
Dr. Vessel and her team offer orthodontics for adolescents and teens. She also offers limited orthodontic treatment to adults.