There are three main types of malocclusions that may be treated by orthodontics or a combination of orthodontics and jaw surgery (adults) or orthodontics and growth modification (children).

Class I: The upper and lower jaw are correctly aligned, but there may be problems with spacing, crowding, crooked teeth, or over or under eruption (teeth are growing above the gumline, above other teeth, for example.) These problems can usually be fixed with orthodontics.

Class II: This is otherwise known as an overjet, which means the upper teeth are quite a bit more forward than the lower teeth. In cases where there is only a slight overbite, it may be treated with orthodontics; however, in cases where the overbite is significant, growth modification (children) or jaw surgery to move the upper jaw backward and/or the lower jaw forward (adults) may be required in addition to orthodontics.

Class III: This bite is often called an underbite or a negative overjet. In this case, the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. This issue may sometimes be treated with orthodontics alone, if it is a slight underbite, but if the distance between the upper and lower teeth is significant, growth modification (children) or jaw surgery to move the lower jaw backward and/or the upper jaw forward (adults) may be required in addition to orthodontics.

The above three bites have to do with the horizontal plane of the mouth (forward or backward.) There are two bites that have to do with the vertical plane (up or down):

Open bite: People who have this kind of bite often have “long faces.” When those with open bites try to close their teeth together, only a few teeth meet, usually at the back of the mouth. You can actually see the inside of the person’s mouth while s/he is biting down with an open bite. This type of bite cannot be treated with orthodontics alone, as it is caused by a jaw abnormality and requires upper jaw surgery (adults and some children) along with orthodontics.

Deep bite: This is when the upper teeth overlap the bottom teeth vertically. In other words, very little of the lower teeth can be seen when the person bites down. This is sometimes called an overbite, though some people may use the term “overbite” to refer to Class II malocclusions as well.
A deep bite is also a jaw abnormality that cannot be treated with orthodontics alone, and requires orthodontics and growth modification (children) or orthodontics and upper jaw surgery (adults).

The final type of bite has to do with the horizontal plane, but side-to-side rather than forward or backward (as with the Class I, II and III bites):

Crossbite: This occurs when the bottom teeth don’t meet up correctly with the top teeth on the sides of the mouth. When the upper teeth fall inside the lower teeth on one side of the mouth, it’s called a unilateral posterior crossbite. When it happens on both sides of the mouth, it is known as a bilateral posterior crossbite. (A Class III malocclusion (underbite) is also called an anterior crossbite.) A crossbite may be caused by the upper jaw being too wide or too narrow for the lower jaw, requiring orthodontics and growth modification (children) or orthodontics and jaw surgery (adults) to correct.

BRACES AND ORTHODONTIC

TAI FAMILY ORTHODONTIST

Serving the Orange County, Los Angeles area.

One of the most rapidly evolving areas of dentistry, orthodontics involves the use of corrective appliances, including braces and retainers, to straighten crooked teeth and/or repair an irregular bite. Since the introduction of new clear and “invisible” braces, orthodontic treatment has gone from something reserved for children and teenagers to an option for adults with cosmetic and functional dental issues.

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you are considering braces or other orthodontic treatment, please read the information below and contact our orthodontic offices in Irvine, CA and Northridge, CA. Discuss your cosmetic treatment options with the experts at Tai Orthodontics today. We can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

BRACES INFORMATION

Orthodontic treatment can straighten teeth and correct a misaligned bite, but in some cases, it can take several years to achieve the end result. Before beginning treatment, it is important to investigate your options and speak with our orthodontists in Irvine, California and Northridge, California to find out which orthodontics solution is best for you.

At Tai Irvine & Northridge Family Orthodontics, our skilled orthodontist aligns teeth with braces by applying constant pressure in a desired direction. The pressure is adjusted at prescribed intervals over the course of the orthodontic treatment, which can last from one to three years or longer depending on the severity of the patient’s case. There are several types of orthodontic braces available to consumers, including the traditional metal braces, and new clear braces.

Adult Braces

Dentists now have several orthodontic treatments to offer adult patients who wish to straighten their teeth without the use of traditional metal braces. From “instant orthodontics” with porcelain veneers to invisible braces, these new methods allow adults to transform their smile quickly and discreetly.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a new orthodontic treatment that gradually straightens teeth through the use of custom-fitted plastic aligners. These aligners are worn 24 hours a day except for when eating and drinking. Because they are “invisible” in the mouth, invisalign aligners have become the most popular orthodontic treatment option for adults with crooked teeth or misaligned bites.

Braces for Kids

It’s best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required and the best time for that patient to be treated. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, our orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth.

Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.

Our Mission
To set a higher standard for quality orthodontic care in Irvine by providing our patients the best possible service through individualized treatment options, good communication throughout the treatment process, and a focus on good overall health.

Our Practice Philosophy
We deliver high-quality care

Board-Certification
Dr. Karlin is certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), the only orthodontic specialty certifying board recognized by the American Dental Association. Less than 50% of practicing orthodontists in the United States have taken the steps necessary to become board-certified.
Individualized Care
We take pride in treating each patient and their orthodontic needs on an individualized basis, considering personal goals and timing issues in conjunction with the array of orthodontic treatment options that are now available. Dr. Karlin prefers an intimate practice where he can give each patient his complete attention and thus provide the best orthodontic result possible.
All-digital office
Through our use of advanced technology, we are able to offer higher quality care to our patients. Computer technology enables us to focus on our patients and not on tracking paper files. Additionally, digital imaging and digital radiography (x-rays) minimize exposure to harmful radiation, and also help provide patients and parents with a better understanding of treatment options. Overall, we believe that a paperless office and digital imaging enable higher accuracy of health records, better communication with other dental professionals sharing patient care, and higher quality treatment.
We focus on people

Good Communication
Quality care takes time, careful planning, and good communication. Communication with the patient and the patient’s family is essential from the very beginning when treatment options are evaluated with Dr. Karlin, and the treatment plan is agreed upon by the patient and/or guardian. Each step of the treatment process and patient progress is discussed so that everyone is well-informed and expectations are met. Patient questions and feedback are encouraged.
Friendly & Fun environment
We enjoy getting to know our patients on a personal level, and keeping up with school activities and athletic teams, etc. We promote a relaxed, fun environment where patients and their families feel comfortable. Our younger patients especially enjoy participating in office contests.
Focus on Health
A beautiful smile and healthy teeth go hand-in-hand with a focus on general health. Dr. Karlin not only improves the aesthetics of your smile, his treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions) resulting from tooth or jaw misalignment. Patients with malocclusions tend to have a harder time brushing, flossing, and chewing, as well as TMJ soreness. Additionally,we will give you and your general dentist regular updates on your oral hygiene and health. Quality orthodontic treatment together with routine dental care help to ensure that teeth will function correctly and stay in proper alignment for a lifetime.

Invisalign Teen’s clear aligners are virtually invisible. Even better, they’re removable. This means teens can eat whatever foods they want, and brush and floss with ease! And, maybe best of all, they don’t involve any metal or wires, which can cause irritation. Invisalign Teen aligners are made from a lightweight plastic material, and they fit precisely on the teeth—almost like a glove.

Most teens have a non-stop lifestyle, and sometimes, they lose things. Including aligners! But with Invisalign Teen, that’s no problem. If you lose your aligner, just let the doctor know ASAP, and he or she can have a replacement sent to you quickly.

Invisalign Teen is clear, comfortable, and virtually invisible.

For more information on Invisalign Teen, contact Dr. Tai today!