Orthodontic treatment involves the use of various tools, from wires and braces to retainers, to help move the teeth into better positions. This may involve moving the teeth into proper alignment, correcting the way the upper and lower teeth meet, or correcting the way the upper and lower jaws fit together.
Common Dental Issues Addressed By Orthodontic Treatments
- Crowded teeth
Crowded teeth are a common issue treated by orthodontic treatment. When teeth don’t align properly, they can overlap or appear crooked. This can cause the teeth to become crowded, so they won’t fit together properly. This can make simple activities like eating and speaking difficult.
- Bite issues
Patients who have bite issues, otherwise known as malocclusions, often experience headaches, jaw pain, and tooth decay. These issues often arise in adults, but children can be affected as well. Malocclusions, such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite, can be addressed with orthodontic treatments. Children with bite issues may benefit from early orthodontic treatment, as it can address bite problems before they grow into more severe conditions.
- Temporomandibular joint disorders
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) cause jaw pain and dysfunction that interferes with normal function. TMD can occur when the jaw joints become displaced, inflamed, or inflamed.
Most TMD cases are caused by an improper bite, which occurs when the upper and lower jaws do not meet correctly. When the jaws meet improperly, it can place stress on the jaw muscles, ligaments, and joints. This can be corrected by orthodontic treatments.
- Misaligned teeth
Patients who have teeth that are not aligned properly can experience many types of issues. Misaligned teeth can cause many difficulties while chewing. Chewing food properly is important for both digestion and pronunciation. Misaligned teeth can also cause speech impediments. If the teeth are not properly aligned, it can lead to extra stress on the jaw and mouth muscles, making speech difficult. Misaligned teeth can also affect the aesthetics of your smile. The misalignment of the teeth can cause the smile to look unattractive, causing patients to lack confidence in their smile. Orthodontic treatment like braces or clear aligners can help address teeth misalignment to result in a straighter smile.
- Gaps between teeth
A big gap between teeth can affect the aesthetics of one’s smile and make it difficult to keep the mouth clean and healthy. Food particles can get stuck between the gap, leading to a buildup of plaque. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Braces can close the space between teeth, improving oral health.
Types of Braces
Traditional braces are the most common and effective treatment for orthodontic issues. Traditional braces are able to correct any misalignment issues, such as crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and an open bite. Another popular option that helps fix orthodontic issues is Invisalign treatment. Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to straighten the teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, which makes eating and cleaning much easier. Invisalign aligners are also comfortable, as there are no wires or metal brackets involved.
To learn more about our orthodontic treatment options, visit our Daniel Tebbi, D.M.D. office at 16661 Ventura Blvd Ste 620, Encino, CA 91436. You can also reach us at (818) 789-2034.