Braces & Invisalign Teen in Bellingham, WA
At Derek Damon Orthodontics, our mission is to help patients of all ages achieve beautiful, healthy smiles through orthodontic treatment. We're proud to offer a variety of orthodontic treatments from both our Bellingham and Anacortes orthodontic offices, including everything from traditional metal braces to alternatives like Invisalign Teen. Our expert orthodontist, Dr. Derek R. Damon, will diagnose and treat your orthodontic condition in our office.
The Most Common Orthodontic Conditions
Most people develop an orthodontic problem, or malocclusion ("bad bite"), at some point in their lifetime. These issues come from a variety of factors ranging from underdeveloped dental arches to misalignment of the jaws, and without treatment, they can lead to a variety of problems ranging from premature tooth wear to difficulty speaking. We're proud to treat all orthodontic conditions in our office, including all of the most common problems.
Crossbite
Crossbite occurs when the back teeth of the upper jaw sit inside those of the lower jaw, leading to problems like tooth stratification, impaired jaw growth, and facial asymmetry.
Underbite
This condition is marked by the lower jaw extending out past the upper jaw, causing the upper front teeth to sit inside the lower front teeth when the mouth is closed.
Overbite
The opposite of underbite, this occurs when the lower jaw doesn't extend far enough out. In extreme cases, it may even cause the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
Often presenting early on, this condition occurs when the upper front teeth lean or extend too far forward from the mouth. While it may not cause significant functional problems, this malocclusion is often aesthetically displeasing and exposes the front teeth to a higher risk of dental trauma.
Crowding
The most common reason for braces, crowding occurs when there isn't sufficient room in the dental arch to accommodate all the teeth, causing them to grow in crooked. Crowding is a cosmetic issue and can also make teeth harder to keep clean, increasing the risk of dental decay and periodontal disease.
Spacing
Spacing issues are the opposite of overcrowding, caused by too much space in the dental arch and leaving gaps between the teeth. While spacing may be purely cosmetic, it's another common reason for braces.
Openbite
This condition is characterized by the upper and lower front teeth slanting too far forward, leaving a gap between them when the mouth is closed. Commonly caused by childhood habits like prolonged thumb sucking, openbite can cause impaired speech, jaw growth, and bite function if left untreated.
Mismatched Dental Midlines
This occurs when the back bite doesn't fit together properly. While not always visually obvious, mismatched dental midlines can impair both bite function and proper jaw development.
Contact Your Bellingham, WA Orthodontist
These conditions represent the most common orthodontic problems, but most patients won't develop one in isolation. Instead, most patients develop a complex case that features characteristics of multiple conditions. No matter how complex the case, though, our expert Anacortes orthodontist can develop a treatment plan that helps you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile in a way that works for your lifestyle. If you think you may be experiencing one of these orthodontic conditions, don't let it go untreated: contact us today to find out how we can help you achieve your dream smile.