Oral health is foundational to good overall health. Through the help of an orthodontist and bite correction, difficulties with chewing or speaking can be overcome. The inability to ingest food or clearly articulate impacts both physical and mental health. Bite correction has the potential to change the course of an individual’s health and wellness.
Changes in tooth alignment occur as the bone structure grows during adolescence and adulthood. As an individual grows older, the mouth's structure in both the upper and lower jaws should have the same U-shaped arch. As these arches align, the front teeth will rest comfortably on top of the lower teeth, though they will extend slightly beyond the bottom teeth. When the jaws do not line up correctly or when the adult teeth do not grow in properly, it can lead to oral health problems, create discomfort, and impede speech or chewing activities.
When the jaws are not properly aligned, it could lead to one of three types of bites. These are:
Malocclusion, or a misaligned bite when the jaw is closed, can affect one’s life, particularly in key life skills like eating and chewing.
Crooked teeth can make it harder to chew, causing discomfort and pain if not taken care of. Grinding and clenching can occur, which can cause premature tooth loss, broken teeth, or worn gums. Misalignment can strain the temporomandibular joint, creating cracking sounds when eating or speaking, frequent headaches, or severe jaw pain.
Speech difficulties can also come from poor tooth alignment, as the teeth are a crucial part of the speech process. Teeth that are twisted, overlapped, or crooked alter the way the tongue moves during speech. This can sometimes create a whistling noise as air passes between the teeth or cause the sounds to appear slurred.
The treatment used to address alignment or spacing problems with the teeth is termed bite correction. A consultation with an orthodontist will clarify what solution is best for a patient's situation. Upper and lower jaw alignment can often be corrected non-surgically through braces, either with the traditional metal brackets or clear aligner trays.
Appliances are fitted to the teeth and apply pressure to expand the jaw and slowly realign teeth into the desired position. Bands or extenders that connect the upper and lower appliances help pull the jaw into alignment. Brackets and aligners also slowly move crooked teeth into a uniform line without gaps or spacing problems. The severity of the condition determines how long appliances are worn, but plans can often take six months or longer to help ensure the teeth and jaw safely shift into new positions.
Orthodontics often uses pressure and special appliances to gently reposition teeth. Schedule a consultation to find out more about the treatment options that can help improve your speech or chewing patterns.
Request an appointment here: https://belmontsmiles.net or call Belmont Smiles at (617) 608-2108 for an appointment in our Belmont office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontist in Belmont, MA.
Curious about orthodontic treatment? Read on to learn more. Straight teeth and properly aligned jaws make for a healthy and functional smile. Many people are lucky to have naturally straight teeth, but others require orthodontic intervention to correct overcrowding, gaps, or misalignment. In some cases, orthodontic therapy can extend far beyond repositioning the teeth in…
Wondering whether wearing retainers is really necessary? Read on to learn more. You know braces and aligners can help you get those straight teeth you desire, but retainers are the next step. These little devices will keep your teeth aligned and your smile beautiful for years.Retainers are custom orthodontic devices that help keep the teeth…
Ceramic braces can be a great alternative to traditional metal brackets. Clear ceramic braces are a popular choice for adults and older teens who want something less obvious than traditional braces but who still want the benefits of a fixed system. Knowing the benefits of this bracket system will allow you to determine if it…
Invisalign® is a modern teeth-straightening option that serves as an alternative to metal braces. Invisalign eliminates the need for brackets and wires; instead, it uses a series of clear plastic aligners to realign the teeth. Although lots of individuals are aware of the aesthetic advantages of Invisalign, like a straighter smile, there are also health…
Orthodontic treatment involves the use of specialized devices to move teeth gradually and precisely in…
Retainers are custom orthodontic devices that help keep the teeth straight after braces or aligners…
Many people find ceramic straighteners more comfortable than metal. They are less abrasive than some…
Although lots of individuals are aware of the aesthetic advantages of Invisalign®, like a straighter…
Read on to learn about teeth straightening treatments that can help give you the smile…
Some orthodontic treatments also provide cosmetic benefits as they improve the alignment of your teeth.
