What Problems Can Be Fixed with Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatments are procedures that aim to align the teeth and correct the bite. One common example of an orthodontic treatment is when your dentist recommends that you wear braces. Many think that orthodontic treatments are just for cosmetic purposes. However, the truth is misaligned teeth can result in problems in chewing, talking, and even breathing. What problems can be fixed with orthodontic treatment?

More Than Fixing Smiles: Why You Might Need an Orthodontic Treatment

An orthodontic treatment can indeed help fix smiles. After all, your orthodontist may recommend it when you have crooked teeth. He or she may also suggest it when you have overcrowding of teeth. Left untreated, crooked and overcrowded teeth may lead to more serious problems, such as:

• Tooth decay 

• Wear and tear of teeth

• Gum disease

• Lack of confidence 

But these are not just why you may need an orthodontic treatment. Consider the following reasons as well:

Bad Bite

A bad bite happens when your upper and lower teeth don’t meet evenly when you bite down. It may be that the upper teeth stick out or the lower teeth sit further back. This may result in difficulty and discomfort in eating and speaking. At times, it may even cause pain. As such, when you have a bad bite, the dentist may recommend an orthodontic treatment to fix it. 

Poorly Aligned Jaw 

Like a bad bite, a poorly or misaligned jaw may result in several problems. When you have a misaligned jaw, you may have trouble eating or speaking. It may also result in chronic pain. An orthodontic treatment can fix this by gradually pulling the teeth and jaw into alignment. 

Gaps Between Your Teeth

Your doctor may recommend an orthodontic treatment when your teeth don’t sufficiently fill your mouth. This leaves you with gaps between your teeth that may lead to difficulty eating and speaking. 

Examples of Orthodontic Appliances

The type of orthodontic treatment usually depends on the cause of your concern. Below are some examples of an orthodontic treatment:

Fixed Braces

Fixed braces have brackets glued to the front of each tooth and are linked by wires. The consistent pressure from the wire moves the teeth little by little. 

Removable Braces

Unlike fixed braces, removable ones are typically plastic plates that can be removed. However, they can only achieve very limited tooth movement. This is why it’s often recommended for minor concerns or as part of fixed braces. 

Headgear 

A headgear can be used with other orthodontic appliances and is often worn at night. It helps keep the position of the back teeth as the front teeth receive treatment.  

Explore the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

As mentioned earlier, the appropriate orthodontic treatment depends on your situation. Furthermore, an orthodontic treatment takes some time and may be costly. Hence, you must consult with experts in the field of orthodontics. 

Do you have concerns that may be treated with an orthodontic appliance? Visit John K. See, DDS, at our Camarillo, California office. You may also call (805) 920-8600 to schedule an appointment today.