Learn the Lingo of an Orthodontist

Orthodontic treatment shouldn’t be intimidating. Like any medical specialists, orthodontists have terminology they use to discuss dental issues that can be treated with braces and the latest orthodontic technology, like Invisalign. Dr. Robert Lorino, a top orthodontist in Ridgewood, New Jersey, finds that understanding the terms doctors use can help alleviate the fear some patients have before a consultation.

Dr. Lorino of Ridgewood, New Jersey, suggests learning these 8 simple words before visiting an orthodontist:

1. Over-bite is when the upper teeth overlap the bottom teeth, which is a minor condition many people have. But a deep-bite, where the upper teeth completely cover the lowers, can be quite unhealthy, according to Dr. Lorino. Deep-bite often is a factor in gum loss and may cause excessive wear on the top front teeth.

2. Crowding, another common dental misalignment, is caused when the dental arch is too small or the teeth are too large. The teeth bunch together and create a crooked smile. Dr. Lorino said the issue can cause gums to recede and weaken, which sometimes leads to impacted teeth, which are teeth that grow beneath the gum line but never push through the surface.

3. Cross-bite, also referred to as under-bite, happens when the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. Dr. Lorino has seen the issue lead to gum loss and uneven wear on teeth in some of his patients in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

4. Open-bite is when the upper and lower teeth thrust forward and do not touch. The condition has a number of potential causes, including thumb-sucking, thrusting your tongue against your teeth when you swallow or sleep, underdeveloped teeth or an abnormal jaw structure, according to Dr. Lorino.

5. Invisalign is a popular alternative to braces for many people n Ridgewood, New Jersey. The relatively new technology straightens teeth with a series of clear, custom-molded aligners. The removable aligners, which are nearly invisible, are worn throughout the day but can be removed to eat and clean the teeth, said Dr. Lorino.

6. Spacing, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, refers to significant gaps between teeth caused by teeth that are missing or small or when the dental arch is very wide. Dr. Lorino has seen the condition lead to uneven wear on teeth in patients in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

7. Appliance generally refers to anything orthodontists like Dr. Robert Lorino attach to teeth that helps reposition the teeth or changes the shape of the jaw.

8. Retainers are appliances orthodontists get patients to wear after braces are removed. The retainer attaches to a patient’s teeth, holding them in place. While some retainers are removable, others are bonded to the tongue side of several teeth.