Langley Braces Expert Discusses Treating Overjet

Langley, BC - Often called "buck teeth," overjet is of particular concern for many orthodontic patients. Children often experience ridicule, particularly throughout the awkward adolescent years. However, there are legitimate physiological reasons for fixing overjet during early childhood, explains Langley braces specialist Dr. Aly Kanani.

Research has recently discovered that if a misalignment is not corrected, 75 percent of children whose overjet is 6 millimeters or more will get front teeth fractures by age 12. Because the teeth are so far forward, there is a significantly greater chance of damage - or even tooth loss - if the child sustains a blow or injury to the face. "There are all kinds of repercussions if overjet isn't corrected," notes Kanani, a Langley orthodontics specialist. Overjet can also indicate that the patient's molars are not meeting in the back of the mouth or that the jaw is not growing properly.

The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should see an orthodontist by age 7 since many problems are more easily fixed when they are found early, observes the Langley orthodontist. At this age, adult front teeth are emerging, so the doctor can be alert for overjet and decide on the optimal time for treatment.

Overjet is considered a class II malocclusion - or misalignment of the teeth. It can be the result of tooth crowding, sucking the thumb, small lower jaws or lower jaws that are too far back."Frequently, people think that overjet and overbite are synonymous, but they are different conditions," says the Langley invisible braces specialist. Overjet describes the horizontal gap between the upper and lower front teeth; overbite refers to the vertical space from lower to upper front teeth. If the overjet is caused by thumb sucking, the condition can be ameliorated by discontinuing the habit. Dentists and orthodontists can prevent thumb sucking by placing a special appliance in the child's mouth. If the problem is caused by crowding, braces can shift teeth into their ideal position.

Patients sometimes also benefit from growth plates or functional appliances, such as the Twin Block, that bring the lower jaw forward to close up the gap, says Kanani, a Langley invisalign provider. It is often best to begin such treatment prior to a child's adolescent growth spurt. Thus, the child's facial development can direct the jaw's development.

"Oftentimes I recommend beginning treatment early," Kanani explains. "If a child's overjet is so bad that the teeth could be fractured or damaged, if the overjet affects the child’s speech, or if the child experiences ridicule, we might decide on earlier treatment."

Learn More about Orthodontics in Surrey BC with a Complimentary Consultation
Visit the websites of local Surrey, BC, Langley, BC, and Vancouver, BC orthodontists: www.guildfordorthodontics.com, www.langleyorthodontics.com. To speak with a staff member or schedule a complimentary consultation, call (604) 589-2212 for Guildford Orthodontic Centre and Invisalign. For the Langley BC orthodontics practice, call (604) 533-6696. For a Vancouver Invisalign and Braces office, call (604) 629-0452.

About Dr. Aly Kanani and Partners
Dr. Aly Kanani has a bachelor's degree from McGill University and a master's degree from the London School of Economics. He received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the University of Pennsylvania - and graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy with a master's degree in Orthodontics and a Specialty Certification in Orthodontics. His team of board certified orthodontists provides quality, patient-focused braces and Invisalign treatment in the Greater Vancouver area.

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