What causes crooked teeth?
Most of the time, having crooked teeth or a large overbite is simply an inherited trait. However, harmful habits such as thumbsucking and premature loss of baby teeth can also cause crooked teeth or malocclusions (bad bites).

What does DDS or DMD mean? What is MS or MSC?
DDS is Doctor of Dental Surgery. DMD is the Latin acronym for Dentariae Medicinae Doctoris which when translated, means Doctor of Dental Medicine. Both are equivalent degrees according to the American Dental Association. Dentists and orthodontists trained in the US and Canada will either have DDS or DMD after their names. Receiving a DDS or DMD degree depends on the dental school that confers the degree. For example, graduates from UCLA receive DDS degrees and graduates from Harvard receive DMD degrees. MS or MSC is a Masters of Science degree frequently associated with orthodontic training.

What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the division of dentistry focusing in the diagnosis and treatment of dental, facial, and jaw abnormalities.

What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional two to three years of full-time training at an accredited residency program after graduating from dental school.  Orthodontists limit their practices to the field of orthodontics so they can focus on correcting misaligned teeth and jaw problems.  Read more about what is an orthodontist.

Can wisdom teeth (third molars) cause crooked teeth?

Studies have shown that third molars or wisdom teeth do not necessarily cause crowding. For example, some people who have had their third molars removed still get crowding, while others that still have their third molars erupted or impacted do not have crooked teeth.

Will my teeth straighten out as I grow?
No. In order for teeth to straighten out, they need space to unravel. After the first molars erupt around age 6, the amount of space available for the erupting teeth is at the maximum. In most cases, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age

If my teeth are straight now, can they get crooked later?
Yes. As you age, your jaws, musculature, and bones will change which may affect the alignment of your teeth. If you have had braces before, you may be more prone to having crooked teeth again. That is why you must wear your retainers as directed by your orthodontist to minimize this relapse.

How do orthodontic braces work?
Orthodontic braces work by applying steady, gentle pressure to guide teeth to their new positions. Braces consist of a system of brackets, and archwires. The brackets are attached to the teeth and the archwire is placed into the slots of the brackets. If the teeth are crooked, the wire needs to be deflected into the brackets when tied in. Then, as the wire returns to its original shape, it moves the tooth with it.  Read more about the Braces Parts.

What are the risks of braces or orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is not without risks. Some risks of braces or orthodontic treatment include, but are not limited to root resorption, cavities, tooth decalcification, and gum problems, However, with proper oral hygiene, many of the risks orthodontic treatment can be minimized.

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Dr. Yang is a Preferred Invisalign Provider and Board Certified Orthodontist practicing in Redwood City, CA. Read more about Dr. Yang or visit his orthodontic practice online at www.OrthodontistRWC.com.