Dental Malocclusion in Washington, D.C.

Dental malocclusion is identified as a mismatched bite and misaligned jaw that occur due to a faulty connection between your upper and lower rows of teeth. This can cause crooked teeth, overcrowding in the mouth, or bite problems (underbite, overbite, crossbite). Dental malocclusion is split into three different degrees. Class I is the most common and occurs when the upper row of teeth overlap the lower row. In class II, the upper jaw and teeth seriously overlap the bottom jaw and teeth. For class III, the lower jaw sticks out, making it overlap the upper jaw and teeth. Though it is usually genetic, malocclusion may also be caused by teeth grinding, trauma, or thumb-sucking. If not properly treated, dental malocclusion can lead to sleep disorders, gum disease, and TMJ. Dr. Kenneth Ingber and his skilled dental team at Ingber Dental are experienced in the identification and diagnosis of dental malocclusions and have years of experience designing treatment plans for Washington, D.C. area individuals with bite conditions.

There are a variety of treatment alternatives that could be possible, depending on the type and severity of your malocclusion. In most situations, treatment will necessitate orthodontics, such as braces, to deal with your unique condition. Patients who will benefit from treatments intended for malocclusions are children, teenagers, or adults who have bite conditions resulting from poorly aligned teeth. Individuals with chipped or broken teeth and have difficulty chewing due to their under, over, or crossbite will also benefit.

The most common treatment for dental malocclusion is usually in the form of orthodontics. This could consist of retainers, clear teeth aligners, or braces. Individuals who have severe overcrowding of the teeth may need to have some teeth removed before obtaining further treatment. If the jaw is severely misaligned, we may recommend surgery to properly reposition it and fix deformities.

In the case orthodontics are required as a treatment, you will need to use them for a couple of years. After the teeth are corrected, a permanent or removable retainer might be recommended to help keep your teeth in the right position. Following any treatment, you need to continue to attend routine dental exams so that we can continue to keep an eye on your bite for abnormalities.

The price of treating dental malocclusion will vary according to the procedure recommended. Prior to treatment, our financial team will contact your insurance provider, if you have one, to determine your policy and out-of-pocket costs. We will then contact you to explain what will be covered and what we offer in terms of payment methods and medical financing programs.

Bite issues can cause physical and emotional discomfort and can create more significant problems if they go untreated. At Ingber Dental, we strive to diagnose and treat malocclusion to allow you a more comfortable and straighter smile. Get in touch with our Washington, D.C. facility right away to schedule a consultation and take one step closer to recreating your smile.