Many people may think that the most common reason people get orthodontic treatment is to improve their appearance. While this is a legitimate reason for getting braces, it is not the only reason. There are some dental conditions that require orthodontic treatment in order for you to have good oral health. Overbites/underbites, crowding and missing teeth are just a few of the most common reasons to get orthodontic treatment.
The way the teeth touch when they meet is called the bite. If you have an underbite, it means your lower jaw extends in front of your upper front teeth. This condition is relatively common, but it can lead to damage to the teeth and gums. It can make chewing difficult, so you do not get the proper nutrition for optimum health. It may even make speaking difficult.
An overbite is a condition where the upper front teeth protrude in front of the lower teeth, which may cause the lower teeth to push against the roof of the mouth near the gum line. This is also a common disorder that leads to damage of the teeth and gums. It makes it difficult to chew and speak and may make the teeth more prone to chipping.
Crowding is a condition that occurs when the teeth do not have sufficient room. As the newly erupting teeth grow in, they push other teeth forwards or backwards and make them overlap. Overcrowding creates a perfect environment for decay, as it is difficult to remove bacteria and food debris from crowded teeth. There are several ways in which our specialist fixes overcrowding, including pulling the teeth away from each other, making sure the teeth grow in the proper place and, in some cases, extracting one or two teeth to make space.
Along with overcrowding, extra space between teeth may occur. Large gaps between teeth are not only unattractive, but they are also places where bacteria and food particles can lodge. If a person has overcrowding in one part of his or her mouth and large gaps in another, orthodontic treatment may be able to place the teeth evenly.
In many cases, these orthodontic problems are hereditary. Other causes may be the early loss of baby teeth, gum disease, thumb sucking or prolonged use of a bottle or pacifier. This is one reason it is recommended for children to visit a dentist as soon as their teeth start to erupt. When a professional watches a person’s teeth grow from the beginning, there is a better chance that he or she can predict future orthodontic problems, including in the dental arches and jaws. The advantage of early intervention is that the jaw is still growing, so orthodontic appliances can improve problems before they become severe.
Braces today are technological marvels compared to the braces most parents remember. There are several different kinds of braces and some are almost invisible, such as Invisalign®. Dr. Lach is a top 1% provider for Invisalign®, and the number one provider in Orlando for Invisalign®. Regardless of what method you choose, orthodontic treatment can improve the appearance of overbites/underbites, crowding and missing teeth in children and adults. Lach Orthodontic Specialists has offices in Oviedo and Lake Nona. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more.