How an Orthodontist Can Help Improve Speech and Chewing Through Bite Correction

Orthodontist Tustin, CA

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.

Impact of bite alignment

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.

Types of bites

When the jaws are not properly aligned, it could lead to one of three types of bites. These are:

  • Underbite (front teeth are tucked behind the front bottom teeth)
  • Overbite (front teeth significantly overhang the bottom front teeth)
  • Crossbite (individual teeth rest at a variety of angles through the mouth)

Malocclusion, or a misaligned bite when the jaw is closed, can affect one’s life, particularly in key life skills like eating and chewing.

Types of problems

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. 

Treatment through bite correction

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.

Conclusion

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.

Related Posts

The Ideal Age For Orthodontics

Orthodontics correct dental and oral health issues in children and adults alike. Dentists agree that it is never too late to correct a bad bite. That said, they encourage orthodontic treatment at an earlier age. So, what is this ideal age for orthodontics? Is it a number or an age range?The skeletal structure is never…

Taking Care Of Teeth During Orthodontics Treatments

Oral hygiene is vital when you are straightening your teeth with orthodontics. Oral appliances used to straighten teeth like braces and clear aligners can get in the way of oral hygiene. These appliances, braces in particular, can also increase your risk of oral issues like tooth decay.The oral appliances used to straighten teeth can increase…

4 Reasons You Might Need Orthodontics Treatment

Every person has unique reasons for seeking orthodontics. Some seek treatment to enhance the way that their smile looks, while others might want to address more serious issues, like not being able to speak properly due to teeth misalignment. Dentists often recommend orthodontics if they notice abnormalities like poor teeth alignment or a lack of…

3 Ways Orthodontics Improve Your Health

Orthodontics can improve your appearance, but it can also improve the alignment of your teeth and jaw, which in turn, can improve your oral and systemic health. Orthodontic problems affect the health of a patient in different ways. Eliminating the root cause (usually a bad bite) can eliminate other problems that stem from the orthodontic…