Mission Viejo Ca dentist offers versatile, gentle treatments for kids to correct misalignment, other childhood problems

Invisalign is not just for mild cases of crowding and gaps. These clear, removable plastic aligners may be used to treat even some of the most challenging bite and alignment problems, including overbite.

Overbite is described a lot like the term sounds. The upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth. Sometimes the upper teeth may stick out so far that you can only see the gums of the lower teeth, not the teeth themselves. This is a severe case of overbite.

Overjet is also used to describe the amount of space between the upper and lower teeth when the patient bites together. Most people have very little space, but in some people with a severe overjet there may be a large gap between the upper and lower front teeth when they bite together.

Many of the causes of these conditions can be traced back to childhood, including:

• Differences in how teeth first begin to appear in the mouth
• Problems with how bone develops
• Upper and lower jaws may not be the same size
• Jaws may be malformed
• Habits such as thumb-sucking or the prolonged use of pacifiers or bottles
• Early loss of teeth

An overbite can cause gum irritation and other problems with delicate tissues. If your child has this condition, the teeth may be forced to function in a way they are not designed for, resulting in excessive wear. It can also cause painful jaw and joint problems and can interfere with many of the functions that others take for granted such as chewing food.

In the past, the lack of Precision Cuts, which incorporate elastic bands, limited Invisalign as a treatment option to correct overbite effectively. Now if you have an overbite you can benefit from Invisalign. Unlike some straightening methods, Invisalign is also a versatile option for younger patients, courtesy of Invisalign Teen.

Drs. Alex and Nina Basti won't know for sure if Invisalign is good for you or a member of your family until they see you in their office near Ladera Ranch. There is a straightening treatment for everyone, including modern braces that combine traditional orthodontic techniques with an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable appearance. As you search for a dentist for your kids in Mission Viejo Ca., consider how proactive the practice is in addressing these and other common childhood problems gently and effectively. Basti Dental Care wants to establish a lifelong relationship to maintain or regain your family's oral health. Call 949-427-2096 to schedule an appointment.