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.
Have you put off a trip to the orthodontist because you are worried that you are too old? Do not think that orthodontic treatment is only for children and teens. No matter how old you are, there are treatments available to change your smile. You can be happy with the way you look and have…
It might be disconcerting to wear a retainer after the orthodontist removes your braces, but it is a necessary process. Despite you completing a comprehensive orthodontic treatment, your teeth will begin to shift afterward. Wearing a retainer forces your teeth to stay in their new place for a more extended period for optimal outcomes.Some orthodontic…
Although several underlying factors can contribute to "buck teeth," well-planned orthodontic treatment from an orthodontist can adjust them, transforming your smile. Buck teeth, also known as protruding front teeth, are a form of bite issue in which the upper teeth protrude by at least 2mm over the lower teeth. Genetics can cause the lower jaw to be…
An orthodontist might recommend devices like braces or clear aligners to help straighten your teeth. Both of these appliances work by applying a gentle, constant force on teeth, slowly moving them to a better position over the course of your treatment. Orthodontic issues are pretty common, and the American Association of Orthodontics states up to…