Common Orthodontic Treatments — Before & After Cases in Bristol, Rocky Hill & Waterbury, CT
Orthodontic concerns come in many forms, and no two patients present exactly the same case. At Mbraces, Dr. Mazumder treats the full spectrum of orthodontic conditions — from mild crowding to complex bite corrections — for patients of all ages across Bristol, Rocky Hill, and Waterbury, Connecticut. Below you will find real-patient before-and-after examples illustrating some of the most common conditions we treat and the remarkable results that are possible with the right care.
Crowding of the Teeth
Dental crowding occurs when there is not enough space in the jaw for teeth to align properly. Crowded teeth overlap, rotate, or shift out of their natural positions, making them harder to clean and increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. Early intervention — including Phase One treatment for children — can create space before the problem worsens.
Patient started treatment at age 11 and wore braces for 26 months. He loves his new smile.
Open Bite — Front Teeth That Do Not Touch
An open bite is a condition where the upper and lower front teeth do not make contact when the back teeth are together. It is commonly caused by prolonged thumb or pacifier use in childhood or by tongue-thrusting habits. Open bites can affect chewing efficiency and speech clarity. Correction with braces and in some cases a specialized appliance produces excellent results.
Patient sucked her thumb as a young child and began treatment at age 13. She wore braces and a tongue crib for 28 months. She can now bite the lettuce out of a sandwich!
Deep Overbite — Lower Front Teeth Biting Into the Palate
A deep overbite occurs when the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth excessively — sometimes to the point where the lower teeth bite into the palate. This can cause wear on both the upper and lower teeth, jaw discomfort, and in severe cases damage to the palate itself. Early treatment can often correct this without the need for surgery.
This adult patient (age 25) required braces and corrective jaw surgery due to the severity of his overbite. Had he been treated before his teenage years, surgery likely could have been avoided — highlighting the importance of early evaluation.
Missing Lateral Incisors
Some patients are born with congenitally missing teeth. This condition — most commonly affecting the upper lateral incisors — can affect the appearance of the smile and the function of the bite. Orthodontic treatment aligns the surrounding teeth to create the proper spacing for implants or other restorations to replace the missing teeth, resulting in a beautiful, complete smile.
This patient’s lateral incisors were congenitally absent. After 20 months of braces to reposition the surrounding teeth, the missing incisors were replaced with dental implants.
Underbite — Lower Front Teeth in Front of Upper Teeth
An underbite occurs when the lower jaw extends further forward than the upper jaw, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper teeth. Underbites can cause jaw pain, excessive tooth wear, and difficulty chewing. Depending on severity, treatment may involve braces alone or a combination of orthodontics and orthopedic appliances. In adults with severe underbites, jaw surgery may be required.
This patient’s underbite was causing jaw joint discomfort and abnormal wear patterns on her teeth. After approximately 30 months of treatment beginning at age 32, she can now smile and chew with ease.
Spacing — Gaps Between Teeth
Gaps between teeth can result from missing teeth, small teeth relative to jaw size, or habits such as thumb sucking. Beyond cosmetic concerns, spaces can allow food to pack between teeth and affect gum health. Closing spaces with braces improves both the appearance and long-term health of your smile.
This patient was bothered by the spaces between his teeth. Braces closed the spaces and achieved an ideal bite in 24 months. Special fixed retainers were placed to keep the spaces from reopening.
Overjet — Protruding Front Teeth
Overjet refers to the horizontal distance between the upper and lower front teeth — commonly called “buck teeth.” Protruding front teeth are more vulnerable to trauma and can affect confidence. Treatment early in childhood can guide jaw development to reduce overjet before it becomes more severe.
At age ten, this patient had a significant overjet. Two phases of treatment — the first to guide jaw growth harmoniously, the second to align teeth and the bite — resulted in a smile she proudly shows off at age thirteen.
Non-Braces Treatment
Not every orthodontic concern requires full braces. In some situations, targeted procedures — such as reducing the width of adjacent baby teeth to allow incoming permanent teeth to align on their own — can resolve issues without any appliances at all. Early evaluation helps identify which patients are candidates for these simpler interventions.
This patient was first seen at age seven for crowding of the lower front permanent teeth. A simple widening procedure on adjacent baby teeth allowed the permanent incisors to align on their own within nine months — with no braces needed.
Phase One Treatment
Phase One — or early interceptive orthodontic treatment — addresses significant bite and alignment concerns while a child is still developing. Beginning treatment at the right time can dramatically improve outcomes and simplify any Phase Two treatment that follows. Learn more about early prevention and Phase One treatment.
This patient’s parents were concerned about both the appearance and health of his erupting permanent teeth when they brought him to the orthodontist at age eight. After 12 months of Phase One treatment with a palatal expander and partial braces, his appearance and dental function were greatly improved.
Ready to explore your treatment options? Schedule a free consultation at our Bristol, Rocky Hill, or Waterbury office today. You can also view our Orthodontics Before and After gallery for additional results.
Frequently Asked Questions — Common Orthodontic Treatments
What is the most common orthodontic problem treated at MBraces?
Crowding is one of the most frequently seen orthodontic issues in patients of all ages. It occurs when there is insufficient space in the jaw for teeth to align properly. Crowding is highly treatable with braces or clear aligners, and early Phase One intervention can prevent it from worsening as more permanent teeth emerge.
Can an underbite be corrected without surgery?
In many cases — especially when an underbite is identified and treated early during childhood — correction without surgery is possible using orthodontic appliances and braces. In adults with severe skeletal underbites, surgery may be required. An evaluation with Dr. Mazumder will determine the best approach for your specific situation.
How is an open bite treated?
Open bites are treated with braces, and in some cases a specialized tongue crib or other appliance to retrain tongue positioning. The treatment plan depends on the cause and severity of the open bite. Early treatment is especially effective for open bites caused by thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
What are the options for missing teeth?
When teeth are congenitally absent, orthodontic treatment creates the proper spacing to accommodate implants, crowns, or bridges to replace them. Dr. Mazumder coordinates with restorative dentists to ensure your overall treatment plan results in a complete, beautiful smile.
Is overjet the same as an overbite?
No. Overjet refers to the horizontal protrusion of the upper front teeth beyond the lower teeth. Overbite refers to the vertical overlap — how much the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth when biting together. Both conditions are treatable, and both are assessed during your orthodontic evaluation.
How long does treatment typically take for common orthodontic issues?
Treatment time varies depending on the severity of the issue and the type of treatment used. Mild cases may resolve in 12 to 18 months, while more complex cases involving multiple issues may take up to 30 months or more. Dr. Mazumder will provide a personalized estimate at your free consultation.
Do all orthodontic problems require braces?
Not always. Some early childhood concerns can be addressed with targeted procedures, space maintainers, or functional appliances without full braces. Invisalign clear aligners are also an excellent non-bracket option for many patients. The right treatment depends entirely on your individual case.