
The monarchs of the world experience the same health issues as their subjects—but they often tend to be hush-hush about it. Recently, though, the normally reticent Queen Elizabeth II let some young dental patients in on a lesser known fact about Her Majesty's teeth.
While touring a new dental hospital, the queen told some children being fitted for braces that she too “had wires” once upon a time. She also said, “I think it's worth it in the end.”
The queen isn't the only member of the House of Windsor to need help with a poor bite. Both Princes William and Harry have worn braces, as have other members of the royal family. A propensity for overbites, underbites and other malocclusions (poor bites) can indeed pass down through families, whether of noble or common lineage.
Fortunately, there are many ways to correct congenital malocclusions, depending on their type and severity. Here are 3 of them.
Braces and clear aligners. Braces are the tried and true way to straighten misaligned teeth, while the clear aligner method—removable plastic mouth trays—is the relative “new kid on the block.” Braces are indeed effective for a wide range of malocclusions, but their wires and brackets make it difficult to brush and floss, and they're not particularly attractive. Clear aligners solve both of these issues, though they may not handle more complex malocclusions as well as braces.
Palatal expanders. When the upper jaw develops too narrowly, a malocclusion may result from teeth crowding into too small a space. But before the upper jaw bones fuse together in late childhood, orthodontists can fit a device called a palatal expander inside the upper teeth, which exerts gentle outward pressure on the teeth. This encourages more bone growth in the center to widen the jaw and help prevent a difficult malocclusion from forming.
Specialized braces for impacted teeth. An impacted tooth, which remains partially or completely hidden in the gums, can impede dental health, function and appearance. But we may be able to coax some impacted teeth like the front canines into full eruption. This requires a special orthodontic technique in which a bracket is surgically attached to the impacted tooth's crown. A chain connected to the bracket is then looped over other orthodontic hardware to gradually pull the tooth down where it should be.
Although some techniques like palatal expanders are best undertaken in early dental development, people of any age and reasonably good health can have a problem bite corrected with other methods. If you are among those who benefit from orthodontics, you'll have something in common with the Sovereign of the British Isles: a healthy, attractive and straighter smile.
If you would like more information about orthodontic treatment options, please contact us or schedule a consultation. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine article “The Magic of Orthodontics.”
Comments:
Find Us
201 Pauline Dr
Berea, KY 40403
859-985-0201
Request Appointment
Our office has flexible hours to fit your busy schedule
Patient Eductation

Archive:
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
Tags
- celebrity smiles (104)
- orthodontic treatment (16)
- tooth extraction (2)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- common symptoms (3)
- oral hygiene (30)
- oral health (34)
- diabetes (2)
- pediatric dentistry (21)
- periodontal disease (4)
- gum disease (14)
- diabetic (1)
- teeth whitening (6)
- cosmetic dentistry (31)
- sedation dentistry (2)
- oral sedation (1)
- nutrition (6)
- snoring and sleep apnea (1)
- pregnancy (2)
- root planing (1)
- veneers (7)
- smile makeover (10)
- dental injury (9)
- crown (3)
- wisdom teeth (5)
- tooth bleaching (1)
- oral cancer (4)
- gap (1)
- orthodontics (5)
- bad breath (3)
- braces (6)
- teething (5)
- periodontal plastic surgery (1)
- tooth decay (8)
- bonding (3)
- chipped teeth (4)
- artificial sweeteners (1)
- dental implants (21)
- dentures (3)
- snoring (2)
- sleep apnea (3)
- tmj (2)
- dental injuries (1)
- root canal (6)
- fluoride (2)
- floss (1)
- tooth wear (2)
- mouthguard (2)
- baby teeth (1)
- cracked mouth (1)
- tmd (1)
- tmj disorders (4)
- crowns (7)
- bridge (1)
- chipped tooth (4)
- dental anxiety (1)
- sinus surgery (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- loose teeth (2)
- pediatric care (1)
- missing tooth (1)
- dental care (2)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- bacteria (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- root canal treatment (5)
- anesthesia (1)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- teeth grinding (3)
- retainers (1)
- geographic tongue (1)
- saliva (2)
- tooth grinding (1)
- toothache (1)
- thumb sucking (2)
- smile design (2)
- porcelain veneers (5)
- dental emergency (1)
- canker sore (1)
- mouthguards (5)
- gummy smile (1)
- adult braces (1)
- cancer treatment (1)
- periodontist (1)
- gum recession (4)
- sealants (1)
- cancer (1)
- sports drinks (1)
- cosmetic gum surgery (1)
- composite resin (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- tooth pain (3)
- dry mouth (2)
- smoking (1)
- dental implant (8)
- retainer (1)
- extraction (1)
- osteoporosis (1)
- vaping (1)
- lingual braces (1)
- antibiotics (1)
- loose tooth (1)
- mouth sore (1)
- oral surgery (1)
- partial denture (1)
- jaw pain (1)
- root resorption (1)