Alvin Smith, DDS

Treatment options to correct crowded (crooked) teeth generally include the movement of individual teeth. These options usually include braces or clear aligners. Braces are more or less visible depending on the color (silver, gold or clear). Clear aligners are virtually invisible and are removed while eating or tooth brushing. Surgical orthodontic procedures (orthognathic surgery) are primarily performed to correct jaw position problems such as "under bites" and other discrepancies, but not performed to correct individual tooth irregularities.

Thumb sucking habits can be very destructive to the appearance of the lower face. Finger and thumb sucking habits can cause deformation of the upper jaw and create speech defects. These habits usually continue throughout the night while a person is sleeping, thus placing hours of force on the teeth, lips and jaws. The best and most effective way to combat thumb and finger sucking is to wear a fixed (not removable) device placed by the dentist. The device can include rounded prongs, fits in the roof of the mouth and, if properly designed, is not conspicuously visible. The best part is it works if left in place until the habit is completely gone. If, by chance, the habit returns, the same device can be reinserted for an additional period of time. The earlier the device is applied the greater is the chance of having a successful outcome.