Article
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is used to correct improper bite. This
condition, known as a malocclusion, involves teeth that are crowded or crooked.
In some cases, the upper and lower jaws may not meet properly and although the
teeth may appear straight, the individual may have an uneven bite.
Protruding, crowded or
irregularly spaced teeth and jaw problems may be inherited. Prolonged thumb sucking,
losing teeth prematurely and accidents also can lead to these conditions.
Correcting the problem can create
a nice even looking smile, but more important, orthodontic treatment results in
a healthier mouth. That’s because crooked and crowded teeth make cleaning the
mouth difficult, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and possibly tooth
loss. An improper bite can interfere with chewing and speaking, can cause
abnormal wear to tooth enamel, and can lead to problems with the jaws.
Children aren’t the only ones who
can benefit from orthodontics. If you’re an adult, it’s not too late to correct
problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw
position, or jaw-joint disorders. The biological process involved in moving
teeth is the same at any age. Usually, adult treatment takes a little longer
than a child's treatment. Because an adult's facial bones are no longer
growing, certain corrections may not be accomplished with braces alone. No
matter your age, it's never too late to improve your dental health and beautify
your smile.
A protective mouth guard is recommended for sports and
other activities that may result in injury to the mouth or jaw. Your dentist
can suggest an appropriate mouth guard when the braces are in place.