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://fitsmilesortho.com or call FitSmiles Orthodontics at (714) 782-0217 for an appointment in our Tustin office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontist in Tustin, CA.
Are you considering Invisalign® treatment? Read on to learn about some of the benefits of opting for this teeth-straightening treatment. According to the American Dental Association, teeth straightening is more than just for cosmetic purposes; it may help your overall oral health. While conventional metal braces are still widely used, modern technology has enabled the…
As a teeth straightening method, clear aligners are growing in popularity among teens and adults looking to improve their smiles. This method uses a series of custom-fit clear trays to move teeth into improved alignment. Clear aligners offer an attractive alternative to braces for those looking for a more flexible and discreet way to a…
Invisalign® aligners can effectively correct many oral alignment issues like crooked, misaligned, or protruding teeth. Invisalign is a popular alternative to metal braces and uses plastic aligner trays to straighten teeth. These clear plastic trays (aligners) are custom-made by an orthodontist to fit tightly over the teeth and gradually shift crooked teeth into the correct…
Patients undergoing Invisalign® treatment often want to know how long they will need to wear their aligners. Read on to learn how long the aligners need to be worn. Several variables determine the length of Invisalign treatment, and one of the most important is how long you wear your aligners each day.Invisalign treatment can take…