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An overbite, also known as a "deep bite" or "vertical overlap," is one of the most common orthodontic issues. It occurs when the upper front teeth extend significantly over the lower front teeth, leading to an uneven bite and potentially causing various dental problems if left untreated.

What Causes an Overbite?

Overbites can develop due to several factors, many of which are rooted in genetics or habits formed during childhood. Some common causes include:

Genetics: Overbites often run in families. If one or both parents had an overbite, there's a higher chance their children will also develop one.

Thumb Sucking or Pacifier Use: Prolonged thumb sucking or excessive pacifier use during childhood can push the upper teeth forward, leading to an overbite.

Tongue Thrusting: This habit involves the tongue pushing against the upper front teeth, contributing to the development of an overbite over time.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Constant grinding of the teeth can wear down tooth enamel and change the alignment, worsening an overbite.

Jaw Development: The development of the upper and lower jaws may be disproportionate, causing the upper jaw to protrude more than the lower jaw.

What Are the Effects of an Overbite?

While a mild overbite might not cause immediate problems, a severe overbite can have various long-term effects on your dental health, appearance, and overall well-being:

Worn Teeth: The upper teeth overlap the lower teeth excessively, causing uneven wear and increasing the risk of tooth enamel damage.

Jaw Pain: Overbites can contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, leading to chronic jaw pain, headaches, and discomfort when chewing or speaking.

Speech Impairment: Severe overbites can affect speech by altering the placement of the tongue during speaking, leading to issues such as lisps.

Gum Damage: When the lower front teeth are in constant contact with the gum line of the upper teeth, they can wear down the gums, increasing the risk of gum disease and recession.

Esthetic Concerns: A noticeable overbite can affect the symmetry and appearance of your smile, making some people feel self-conscious about their appearance.

How is an Overbite Treated?

Fortunately, overbites can be effectively treated through orthodontic interventions. The treatment plan depends on the severity of the overbite, age of the patient, and overall dental health. Here are some common options:

Braces: One of the most common treatments for correcting an overbite is traditional braces. Braces apply steady pressure on the teeth, gradually shifting them into proper alignment over time.

Clear Aligners (Invisalign): For those seeking a more discreet option, clear aligners like Invisalign can effectively correct mild to moderate overbites gradually repositioning the teeth similar to braces.

Orthodontic Appliances: In children or younger patients, orthodontic appliances such as a growth modification device can help guide jaw growth and prevent the overbite from worsening.

Surgical Correction: In extreme cases where the overbite is caused by a significant jaw discrepancy, orthognathic surgery may be necessary to correct the position of the jaw.

Why Seek Treatment from an Orthodontist?

When it comes to treating an overbite, it’s important to see a specialist like an orthodontist. Orthodontists undergo additional years of specialized training beyond dental school, allowing them to diagnose and treat complex bite issues more effectively. While some general dentists may offer orthodontic services, they do not have the same level of expertise in managing and correcting occlusion(bite) issues like overbites.

Delaying treatment or relying on a non Orthodontist can result in more severe dental problems down the line, often requiring more complex and expensive interventions later on. By seeking early treatment from an orthodontist, you can ensure the best possible outcome for your dental health and overall quality of life.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we specialize in correcting overbites and other bite issues using the latest orthodontic technology. If you or your child is experiencing an overbite, schedule a consultation today to explore your treatment options. A healthy, aligned smile is just a visit away!

Ensuring a child's healthy tooth and jaw development is a top priority. When it comes to dental health, one tool that is sometimes used on growing children by an orthodontist is a palate expander. Below I will review palate expanders; what are they, how do they work and who might need one. This guide will provide you with all the essential information to understand palate expanders and their role in orthodontic treatment.

What is a Palate Expander

A palate expander is an orthodontic device used to widen the upper jaw (also known as the palate). It’s typically made of two halves connected in the middle by a screw. This device is custom-made to fit your child’s mouth and is usually anchored to the upper teeth. At our office, no goopy molds are used and a custom digital model is made. Over time, the expander gently pushes the two halves of the upper jaw apart, gradually increasing the width of the palate.

How Does a Palate Expander Work?

The upper jaw consists of two bones that do not fully fuse together until later in adolescence. The age varies amongst patients, but typically fuses after puberty. A palate expander takes advantage of this natural flexibility in younger patients by slowly and gently separating these two bones. The screw in the center of the expander is turned regularly, usually by a parent, using a special key. Each turn widens the expander slightly, encouraging the bones to move apart and the palate to widen.

This process creates additional space in the upper jaw, which can correct issues related to crowding, misalignment, and bite problems. Once the desired expansion is achieved, the device remains in place for 6-12 months to allow new bone to form in the gap, solidifying the new position.

How Does My Child Keep it Clean

A water flosser can be very helpful to flush what is stuck in the expander out. Normal brushing and flossing can still be done as normal.

Will the Expander Be Painful?

Most patients describe the sensation when the expander is turning and just after as some "pressure". This discomfort is due to the pressure being applied to the teeth and jaw to achieve the expansion. It’s not typically described as pain, but rather a feeling of pressure. Putting the expander on does not hurt at all. Over the Counter pain relievers can help with any feeling of pressure.

Does an Expander affect Speech?

An expander may affect speech in the first few days or weeks: This is because the expander can alter the way the tongue moves and how air flows during speech. Some patients might experience a lisp or other slight speech impediments shortly after the expander is placed, however this usually resolves quickly.

Who Might Need a Palate Expander?

A palate expander might be recommended for several reasons:

• Crossbite: A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. Expanding the upper jaw can correct this misalignment, ensuring a proper bite.
• Impacted Teeth: Sometimes, permanent teeth can become impacted (trapped in the gum) because there isn’t enough room for them to emerge. Creating additional space can help these teeth come in correctly.
• Narrow Jaw: Some children have a naturally narrow upper jaw, which can lead to a variety of dental issues. A palate expander can widen the jaw to improve overall dental health and function.

Benefits of Palate Expander

Prevent the Need for Tooth Extractions: By creating space, an expander can often prevent the need for extracting permanent teeth to alleviate crowding.

Improve Airway: Some patients can find benefits in improving the airway from an expander as the widening of the upper jaw can facilitate breathing through the nose and expanding the nasal airway. This can help with a variety of common health issues. Palate expanders have been found to have beneficial effects on bed wetting, snoring and sleep apnea.

Improve Bite and Alignment: Correcting crossbites and aligning the upper and lower jaws can prevent future dental issues and improve overall bite function.

Facilitates Future Orthodontic Treatment: Expanding the palate can make future orthodontic treatments, such as braces, more effective and less complicated and more predictable

A palate expander is a powerful tool in orthodontic treatment, especially for children whose jaws are still developing. If a palate expander is recommended for your child, understanding how it works and the benefits it offers can help you feel confident in the decision. With the right care and guidance, your child will be on the path to a healthier, more beautiful smile.

If you have any questions or concerns about palate expanders or your child’s orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. We’re here to provide the best possible care for your child’s smile in Hernando and Citrus County, Florida with offices in Spring Hill, FL and Lecanto FL!

Improving your smile and bite is something both exciting and can provide a lifetime of benefits. At our orthodontic practice, we often encounter patients who are unsure whether they should seek orthodontic care from a general dentist or an orthodontist. Understanding the differences in qualifications and training between these two types of dental professionals is essential for making an informed decision about your orthodontic treatment. Let’s explore the unique roles of dentists and orthodontists, and why specialized orthodontic care can make a significant difference in achieving the best results.

Formal Orthodontic Education

After dental school, which is 4 years, orthodontists return to school for 24-36 months of full time training through a residency program accredited by the American Dental Association(ADA) and the Commission on Dental Accreditation(CODA). These are highly competitive specialty programs, requiring dental students to usually graduate at the top of their class and achieve high test scores. During these programs residents are devoted full time to learn how to properly diagnose and treat any type of orthodontic case. In all these programs can run upwards of 5000 hours of intensive supervised training by orthodontic faculty.

Dental Education

Dental school is 4 years, and is very intensive and challenging in itself. In dental school students learn about all areas of dentistry from cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals and more. The clinical and didactic training prepares dentists to perform these routine type procedures. One area that is not focused on in dental school is orthodontics. Most dental schools orthodontic training is several lectures on the basics of malocclusion and then a few days shadowing in the orthodontic residency clinic. Given that orthodontic treatment takes 1-3 years and is ongoing, dental schools do not train students in orthodontic care, but give the most fundamental background on what orthodontics is. Because orthodontists have to go to dental school first they know exactly what type of exposure dental students are given. As a dental student, I performed no orthodontic treatment on any patients, but given my interest, spent additional time shadowing in the orthodontic clinics to learn as much as I could and show my interest to the faculty.

Legality

It is completely legal for dentists to do orthodontic work. Despite the little to zero training in orthodontics, once a dentist has their license they can legally perform all dental procedures, no matter what their experience is.

Weekend Courses

Given that dentists do not receive orthodontic training in school, courses to learn orthodontics are very common. It is very challenging to be accepted to orthodontic residency so many dentists try to learn how through these types of courses. Many of these courses are for-profit by companies and vendors with the only qualification being paying enrollment fees. There are no admission criteria for these courses. These courses usually take place over a weekend and are held in hotels or conference centers. Often, they lack hands-on clinical experience, and providers likely won't perform any treatment on real patients before offering these services in their own practice. Once the seminar is over, there is no ongoing support or oversight for the progression of treatment. If complications arise, the instructor from the weekend course is no longer available to provide assistance to the dentist that signed up for the class. It would certainly be difficult to replicate the comprehensive training an orthodontic resident receives over a weekend. Often in these courses, dentists are told that they will be able to go back to their offices on Monday and start offering this service! They may even tell you that they can complete it faster and cheaper then anyone else after completing their course.

What Does This Mean?

While your dentist can legally perform orthodontic care, an orthodontic specialist is most qualified to complete orthodontic treatment given their training. Imagine if you found out the the provider completing your or your child's knee surgery learned about the procedure at a course a year ago and has never completed one themselves! Just like you would not seek your general doctor to perform heart surgery, orthopedic joint replacement or brain surgery, it is best to seek an orthodontic specialist for the services of your smile and bite. You only get one set of teeth and they should be trusted to an orthodontic specialist.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we’re excited to announce that we are now offering Zoom Whitening! This state-of-the-art teeth whitening treatment can help you achieve a dazzling, radiant smile in just one visit. Whether you’re preparing for a special event or simply want to boost your confidence, Zoom Whitening can provide dramatic results quickly and safely.

What is Zoom Whitening?

Zoom Whitening is a professional teeth whitening treatment that uses advanced LED light technology and a specially formulated whitening gel to remove stains and discoloration from your teeth. It’s an in-office procedure that can lighten your teeth by several shades in about an hour.

How Does Zoom Whitening Work?

The Process

1. Preparation: Your treatment begins with a thorough cleaning of your teeth to remove any plaque and tartar. We then apply a protective covering to your gums and lips to shield them from the whitening gel.
2. Application of Whitening Gel: The Zoom whitening gel, which contains hydrogen peroxide, is applied to your teeth. The hydrogen peroxide breaks down into oxygen molecules that penetrate the enamel and dentin, breaking apart stains and discoloration.
3. Activation with LED Light: The Zoom LED light is positioned over your teeth to activate the whitening gel. The light helps to accelerate the whitening process, allowing the gel to work more effectively and produce quicker results.
4. Reapplication and Repeat: The gel is applied and activated in three 15-minute sessions. Between sessions, you’ll be able to relax comfortably.
5. Post-Treatment Care: After the final session, we apply a special gel to help reduce any sensitivity and strengthen your teeth.

Benefits of Zoom Whitening

• Quick Results: Unlike over-the-counter whitening products that can take weeks to show results, Zoom Whitening provides noticeable improvement in just one appointment.
• Professional Supervision: The procedure is performed under the supervision of our experienced dental professionals, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
• Long-Lasting: With proper care, the results of Zoom Whitening can last for years. We also provide tips on maintaining your bright smile at home.

Why Choose Zoom Whitening?

Effective on Tough Stains

Zoom Whitening is highly effective at treating a variety of stains caused by factors such as:

• Food and Drink: Coffee, tea, red wine, and certain fruits can stain your teeth over time.
• Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can lead to significant discoloration.
• Aging: As you age, your teeth can become yellowed or discolored.
• Medications: Certain medications can cause intrinsic stains that are tough to remove with regular brushing.

At Strouse Orthodontics, we tailor the Zoom Whitening treatment to your specific needs and goals. Whether you want a subtle enhancement or a dramatic change, we adjust the treatment to achieve the desired level of brightness.

Safe and Comfortable

Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. We take all necessary precautions to protect your gums and soft tissues during the whitening process. While we use special solutions to reduce or eliminate \sensitivity, any sensitivity experienced during or after the treatment is typically mild and temporary.

Post-Treatment Care for Lasting Results

To help maintain your newly whitened smile, follow these tips:

• Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks: Limit your consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and other staining substances.
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent stains.
• Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit Strouse Orthodontics for regular cleanings and check-ups to keep your teeth healthy and bright.
• Use a Whitening Toothpaste: A whitening toothpaste can help maintain your results by removing surface stains between treatments.

Schedule Your Zoom Whitening Appointment Today!

If you’re ready to transform your smile with Zoom Whitening, contact Strouse Orthodontics today to schedule your appointment. With offices in Spring Hill, FL and Lecanto, FL, we services patients from Hernando and Citrus County, including Brooksville, Crystal River and the surrounding areas offering the best orthodontic treatment with braces and clear aligners! Our team is excited to help you achieve a brighter, more confident smile.

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Strouse Orthodontics - Your Smile, Our Passion.

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