What We Treat
Our Orthodontic Practice Offers a Variety of Treatments to Help Address Orthodontic Issues Such as Crowding, Crooked Teeth, and more
At Dr. Norma W. Chou Orthodontist, we understand that every patient’s orthodontic needs are unique. Whether you’re dealing with crowding, spacing, bite misalignment, or crooked teeth, our goal is to provide treatment that is both precise and personalized. We take the time to understand your concerns, perform a comprehensive oral evaluation, and create a treatment plan that fits your goals and lifestyle. There are many reasons why patients seek out braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic solutions. While the tools and techniques used may be consistent across practices, successful outcomes depend on careful diagnosis and individualized care. That’s why we emphasize patient education and transparent communication every step of the way. We want you to fully understand what issues are present, how they affect your oral health, and what we can do to help correct them.
Through early detection in young patients and strategic planning and strategic planning, our practice aims to prevent serious orthodontic problems before they develop further. With advanced technology, a dedicated team, and years of experience, we’re here to support your treatment journey with the care and clarity you deserve.
Overbite
An overbite is when a patient's top teeth overlap their bottom teeth. While almost every patient has at least a bit of an overbite (1-3MM), which is normal, there are some patient's who have a more severe overlap. It’s considered an excessive overbite when a patient's top teeth overlap their bottom between 3-9MM, or more.
Underbite
Underbites occur when the lower row of teeth significantly overlaps the upper row. This is less common than overbites. The Issue may involve chewing complications, speech impediments, and jaw soreness that overbites also cause. In an underbite, a patient's chin is often pressed forward.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when the upper jaw is too narrow for the lower jaw. When this happens, the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth. The opposite can also occur where the lower jaw may be too small for the upper jaw. Either way, a crossbite can occur on either on the left or right side of the mouth or on both sides.
Open Bite
An open bite is when the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is at rest. This can happen on either side of the mouth but is most common with the front teeth. Open bites are less common but far more difficult to treat. One study discovered that they are the least prevalent type of misalignment.
Crowded Teeth
Dental crowding occurs when there isn’t enough space for teeth to erupt properly, leading to overlap, twisting, or misalignment. In an ideal alignment, teeth emerge evenly with slight overlap from the top teeth and proper contact when biting down. Crowding disrupts this balance, causing both functional and aesthetic concerns.
Gapped Teeth
Having gapped teeth can be the result of a size difference between your teeth and jaw, gum disease, missing teeth, or improper habits such as thumb sucking. Whether you have a small or large gap between your teeth, our orthodontist can provide insight on which treatment can close the gap.