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La Porte, IN

Michigan City, IN

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Same-Day Appointments & 0% Financing!

La Porte, IN

Michigan City, IN

fryar orthodontics logo

Same-Day Appointments & 0% Financing!

La Porte, IN

Michigan City, IN

Damon Braces in Michigan City, IN, Expert Answers: What is Malocclusion?

Occlusion is the word used to refer to the way your teeth align. Normally, they should be straight, properly aligned, with the upper jaw just slightly overlapping the lower jaw. Malocclusion is a condition where the teeth do not align properly, which leads to issues with your bite. There are different types of malocclusion depending on the way the teeth are misaligned. Malocclusion can lead to oral health complications, cause teeth and jaw pain, shifting teeth, and facial structure changes. Our expert on Damon Braces in Michigan City, IN, offers some information about this common orthodontic issue and how to treat it.

Types of Malocclusion

  • Overbite: The upper jaw significantly overlaps the lower jaw, leaving a large gap in between the teeth
  • Underbite: The lower jaw overlaps the upper jaw and protrudes outward, leading to a change in the shape of the face
  • Crossbite: One or more teeth on one side of the jaw do not correspond to the tooth on the other side

What Causes Malocclusion?

There are some risk factors for malocclusion, but most cases are caused by genetic factors or abnormal tooth growth. Some things, such as long-term pacifier or bottle usage, or injuries to the jaw can lead to a misaligned bite. Avoiding pacifiers after the age of 3 and curbing thumb-sucking in children may help avoid orthodontic issues.

To diagnose the condition, orthodontists run a series of diagnostics, taking into account these risk factors, to determine if malocclusion is present. The orthodontist examines how the bite fits together and the position of the jaw to check the type and severity of the malocclusion.

Benefits of Early Treatment

Treating malocclusion early is important to shorten the length of treatment and ensure that treatment is the most effective, as it is easier to adjust the bite and teeth in children.

If left untreated, malocclusion can lead to speech problems, face structure changes, and difficulty chewing or biting. Malocclusion can be treated with different types of braces, Invisalign, and spacers. Oral surgery can also be used if necessary, including reshaping of the jaw bone.

Call Our Expert on Damon Braces in Michigan City, IN, to Schedule an Appointment!

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other orthodontic-related topics, feel free to contact Fryar Orthodontics by clicking here or by calling 219-872-9200 (Michigan City, IN) & 219-362-5500 (La Porte, IN).

Your Top-Rated & New Favorite Orthodontist in La Porte & Michigan City, IN...

Life savior! We were two hours away from our orthodontist and my daughter’s new bracket injured her tongue. My doctor did a subpar job. Dr. Fryar was so kind to see her between his patients! He made an adjustment and it made it better. He offered to see her again if the problem didn’t go away completely. There was no charge for it at all. All of the staff were so professional! What a pity we are not patients here. Dr. Fryar and his office staff are so much better than at the office we are going to in chicago! Day And Night! Don’t even think twice - you have to come here and nowhere else.

- Irina L.
irina 5 star review

I was totally impressed with just our first visit. Dr. Fryar was laid back, polite, and very genuine. His staff was friendly and helpful. They made sure to talk to my son "the patient" making sure he was comfortable and asking him if he had any questions. This whole process, so far with getting other appointments needed has been made easier due to the wonderful ladies who work there. I walked away feeling like we had a game plan with great support. I know my child is in good hands.

- Lisa T.
lisa t 5 star review

Three of our children have benefited from Dr. Fryar’s services. Two children each getting two set’s. A wonderful experience all around each time. All the staff are great to work with and it’s nice knowing you can trust Dr. Fryar’s opinion.

- Clara V.
clara v 5 star review

Highly recommend! Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Front office ladies are great too:)

- Lisa N.
lisa n 5 star review

*The reviews listed are from actual patients of Fryar Orthodontics. Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.

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Our La Porte Office
1700 A Street
La Porte, IN 46350

Phone: 219-362-5500

Hours:
Monday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Our Michigan City Office
1211 E. Coolspring Ave.
Michigan City, IN 46360

Phone: 219-872-9200

Hours:
Monday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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