What are Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a form of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Technically speaking, these problems are classified as "malocclusion," or having a bad bite.  Dr. Issa is skilled in the design, application, and control of corrective appliances, such as ALFs, functional appliances and braces to bring teeth, lips, and jaws into proper alignment and to achieve facial balance, TMJ stabilization and an open airway. Most people associate orthodontia with the application of braces to correct crooked teeth in children. Dr. Issa treats a wide variety of conditions in people of all ages with this technique.



Malocclusions are either inherited or acquired. Acquired malocclusions can be caused by:

1. Accidents (known as trauma)
2. Sucking of the thumb, fingers, or on pacifiers
3. Tonsils and adenoids that obstruct the airway
4. Disease or premature loss of primary/permanent teeth



Inherited malocclusions are usually determined by such attributes as tooth and jaw size. For example, people can inherit large teeth and small dental arches, or the reverse. A "poor bite" is often caused by teeth that have too much or too little room in the jaw. Other common causes of crooked teeth are factors that move the teeth out of place, including oral habits and early tooth loss, which leads to tooth shifting.

Regardless of whether malocclusions are inherited or acquired, many of these problems affect not only alignment of the teeth but also facial development, TMJ health and appearance as well. Most cases of malocclusions are mild, or cosmetic, in nature; for example, a poor bite does not cause severe impediments to speech or eating. In some people, however, the condition is so severe that they cannot eat or speak properly. A poor bite does not ordinarily cause tooth decay, periodontal disease, or temporomandibular disorder (TMD). It may, however, make it difficult to properly care for one's teeth. Although most of the population has some type of malocclusion, not all people require or seek orthodontic treatment. For example, with or without a history of orthodontic treatment, 65% of adults develop crowded, crooked lower front teeth. This is a natural result of change over time and does not necessarily require orthodontic treatment.



If you or your child has any of the following symptoms, let Dr. Issa evaluate the condition. A poor bite may be responsible:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Tongue thrust
• Tongue-tied and/or difficult speech
• Crowded or crooked teeth
• Difficulty chewing because of tooth pain or difficulty aligning teeth
• Facial or jaw pain
• Permanent teeth developing in an abnormal position
• Constantly biting the cheek or roof of the mouth

Definitions of Orthodontic Terms:

• Class I Malocclusion: the bite is aligned (your top teeth line up with your bottom teeth), but teeth can be crooked, crowded or turned
• Class II Malocclusion: the upper teeth stick out past the lower teeth (also called an "overbite" or "buck teeth")
• Class III Malocclusion: the lower teeth stick out past your upper teeth (or "underbite")
• Occlusion: the alignment and spacing of your upper and lower teeth when you bite down

Treatments are different for each individual, and range from:

• An appliance to break the habits

• An expander

• Myofunctional retainer 

• Braces 

• Invisalign 

Click here to see a video about what this great choice can look like.