Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontics
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 theteeth 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 ina healthier mouth. That’s because crooked and crowded teeth make cleaning themouth difficult, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and possibly toothloss. An improper bite can interfere with chewing and speaking, can causeabnormal 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 jawposition, or jaw-joint disorders. The biological process involved in moving teeth is the same at any age. Usually, adult treatment takes a little longerthan a child’s treatment. Because an adult’s facial bones are no longer growing, certain corrections may not be accomplished with braces alone. Nomatter 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.
