How healthy are your teeth? Although many people are quick to underestimate their dental health, the fact of the matter is that there are a lot of different elements that play into overall dental wellness. From how often you brush and floss to how regularly you attend regular checkups, it is important to stay in close communication with your dentist, especially if you come down with a new symptom. The purpose of this website is to help people to understand and resolve dental issues, since small symptoms can lead to big problems down the road. Check out these posts to learn more about dental care.
Have you been hiding your smile for years? Teeth that have grown in crooked or are crowded can lead to a smile you may not feel too proud of. Not only can uneven teeth make you self-conscious, but it can also lead to health problems too. There is no need to put your hand over your mouth any longer. Show off that smile! It's time to consult with an orthodontist who can help reshape and correct your teeth and jaw. Here is how an orthodontist can help improve your smile.
Braces
Most children and young adults get a referral from their dentist to seek orthodontic treatment when there is a concern. But if you're an adult and maybe you've never reached out for an orthodontic consult, now is the perfect time. While your jaw may have stopped growing, there are still many things that can occur that may lead to teeth issues. This could be:
- Drifting teeth
- Overbite
- Missing teeth
- Overcrowding
Issues like crowding teeth can affect surrounding teeth and gums, making them hard to clean which can increase your risk of developing early gum disease. In addition, misaligned teeth can trigger headaches and excruciating nerve pain. Having braces fitted is the best way to correct most of these issues. There are many options for straightening teeth including traditional metal braces or new methods like Invisalign, which can help straighten your teeth over time. If you are self-conscious of your teeth, it's time to set up a consultation.
Orthopedics
For children or pre-teens who have misaligned jaws or underlying issues that have caused problems within the mouth, dentofacial orthopedics may be used. This treatment helps align and modify the jaw, helping teeth form properly within the pattern of the jawline and face. This makes the future placement of braces easier with a more successful outcome. Orthodontists also work closely with maxillofacial surgeons to coordinate and consult with teeth position to achieve the proper position of the jaw.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders or TMJs are conditions in which the jaw has some form of dysfunction and discomfort. Scheduling an appointment with your orthodontist will give you insight into what can be done about your specific condition. It may require bite correction or splints that will help correct the out of place bite. This provides a great amount of relief and helps to alleviate the pain resulting from various forms of TMJ.
Don't lose hope on reaching your dreams of having perfect teeth and a bright smile. There are solutions. It starts with talking to your orthodontist about your choices and what they can do to transform your appearance. A whole new you awaits!