Orthodontics

A straight smile is about more than appearance. Properly aligned teeth can be easier to clean, improve your bite, reduce uneven wear on your teeth, and even help prevent jaw discomfort. Whether you’re considering orthodontic treatment for your child or are finally ready to invest in your own smile, today’s options are more comfortable and discreet than ever before.

At New Hope Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, Dr. Dawn M. Rickert provides personalized orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults. We’ll help you choose the solution that best fits your smile, lifestyle, and long-term oral health goals.

Our office proudly serves patients throughout New Hope, Doylestown, Yardley, Newtown, Lambertville, Flemington, Buckingham, and the surrounding communities.

What Is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics focuses on correcting teeth and jaws that are not properly aligned. While many people associate orthodontic treatment with creating a straighter smile, it also improves how your teeth fit together when you bite and chew.

Correcting alignment problems can help reduce excess stress on your teeth, gums, and jaw while making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.

Common Bite Problems

Not every orthodontic concern is immediately obvious. Some bite problems affect appearance, while others interfere with normal function.

Orthodontic treatment may address:

Crowded Teeth

When there isn’t enough space in the jaw, teeth can overlap or become difficult to clean. Crowding increases the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Gaps Between Teeth

Extra spacing can affect both the appearance and function of your smile. Closing gaps often creates a more balanced smile while improving your bite.

Overbite

An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth extend too far over the lower teeth. A significant overbite can contribute to tooth wear and jaw discomfort over time.

Underbite

With an underbite, the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. This can affect chewing, speaking, and overall jaw function.

Crossbite

A crossbite happens when some upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth instead of outside them. Left untreated, it may lead to uneven tooth wear or gum recession.

Open Bite

An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed. This can make biting into certain foods difficult and sometimes affect speech.

During your orthodontic evaluation, Dr. Rickert will determine which issues are present and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Orthodontics for Children

Early orthodontic evaluations can identify developing bite problems before they become more complex. In some cases, early treatment helps guide jaw growth and creates room for permanent teeth to erupt properly.

Not every child needs treatment right away, but monitoring dental development allows problems to be addressed at the ideal time if needed.

Our team works closely with families to make orthodontic care a positive experience while helping children develop healthy smiles that last into adulthood.

Orthodontics for Adults

It’s never too late to straighten your teeth.

Many adults choose orthodontic treatment because they didn’t have braces as children or because their teeth have shifted over time. Others are preparing for cosmetic dental work or want to improve their oral health.

Adult orthodontic treatment can:

Modern treatment options also make it possible to straighten teeth with less noticeable appliances than in the past.

Expansion for Arch Development

Proper dental arch development is important for creating a healthy, balanced smile. When the dental arches are too narrow, there may be limited space for teeth to align properly and develop.

Orthodontic expansion is a treatment approach that gradually widens the dental arch to create additional space and improve the shape and width of the arches.

Depending on the patient’s individual needs, expansion may help:

Create space for crowded or developing teeth.
Improve the width and shape of the dental arches.
Address a narrow upper jaw or palate.
Support proper oral development and function.
Improve airway function.

Proper arch development can contribute to improved dental alignment, oral function, airway function, and a balanced smile.

Which Orthodontic Option Is Right for You?

The best orthodontic treatment depends on several factors, including:

Dr. Rickert will perform a comprehensive evaluation and explain your options so you can make an informed decision about your care.

Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation in New Hope

Whether you’re exploring orthodontic treatment for your child or considering braces or clear aligners as an adult, New Hope Cosmetic and Family Dentistry is here to help. Dr. Dawn Rickert provides personalized orthodontic care designed to improve both the appearance and function of your smile.

Call 215-862-2525 today to schedule your orthodontic consultation. We proudly serve patients throughout New Hope, Doylestown, Yardley, Newtown, Lambertville, Flemington, and Buckingham, helping families enjoy healthier, more confident smiles at every stage of life.

Start with a conversation.