Orthodontists are essential in assisting people in developing beautiful, healthy smiles. They are experts in identifying and treating a variety of dental conditions linked to crooked teeth and misaligned jaws. The dental health and appearance of their patients might be affected by seven common problems that orthodontists often run across in their everyday practice. We will dive into these problems and examine each one’s symptoms and remedies in this extensive guide.
1. Crowding
When there is insufficient space in the oral cavity for teeth to emerge normally, crowding develops. This disorder can cause teeth to rotate, overlap, or be misaligned. When teeth seem to overlap, it can be challenging to clean between them, and there can also be some pain or discomfort. The most common orthodontic therapy for crowding is braces or aligners. Clear plastic trays called aligners, like Invisalign, provide a more covert way to treat crowding. In extreme circumstances, it can be required to remove a few teeth to create space.
2. Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap with the bottom ones. This disorder can result in speech difficulties, jaw discomfort, and a higher risk of tooth damage. Common symptoms include obvious overlap of the top teeth over the lower teeth, discomfort while shutting your mouth, and probable difficulties speaking and eating. Using braces or aligners to move the teeth into the proper position is a common part of treating an overbite. The overbite can sometimes be corrected with orthodontic tools like headgear or rubber bands.
3. Underbite
An underbite is when the bottom front teeth protrude more than the upper front teeth while the jaw is closed. Problems with biting function and face symmetry can result from this. A protruding lower jaw, trouble biting and eating correctly, and an unbalanced facial look are just a few signs you could experience. The goal of orthodontic therapy for an underbite is to realign the teeth by moving the top teeth forward or the lower teeth backward.
4. Open Bite
When the jaws are closed, there is a definite space between the upper and lower front teeth, which is indicative of an open bite. Certain meals can be difficult to bite and chew due to this illness, which can also cause issues with speech and appearance. A noticeable gap between your grin and perhaps speech problems are symptoms. Using braces or aligners to move the problematic teeth into a more proper position is the therapy for an open bite.
5. Crossbite
When the lower jaw is closed over the upper teeth, this is called a crossbite. Uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing can all be symptoms of misalignment. Misaligned teeth might hurt your jaw when you bite down on them. Orthodontic treatment for crossbites often involves braces or aligners. A palate expander can enlarge the upper jaw and enhance dental alignment in severe cases. You can book an appointment with a professional in your area, such as visiting an orthodontist in Bergen County, NJ if you are in the Bergen County area, if you feel like you have a bad case of crossbite.
6. Spacing Issues
Gaps are a difficulty in dental spacing. These gaps might result from poor tooth development, tooth loss, or inheritance. Symptoms include gaps between teeth, difficulty biting and chewing certain foods, and aesthetic issues. To close gaps between teeth, use braces or aligners. Dental bonding or veneers can be required for cosmetic gap correction. The patient’s objectives and the extent of the gap should guide the extent of treatment.
7. Impacted Teeth
Teeth cannot adequately emerge from the gum line due to crowding or improper eruption. Wisdom teeth are most often impacted teeth. There can be discomfort, swelling, infection, and tooth movement. Oral surgery is often required for impacted tooth extraction. Wisdom teeth removal is required to avoid problems. In order to correct misalignment or bite issues, impacted teeth can need orthodontic treatment.
Conclusion
Orthodontists deal with a number of common issues in their line of work, each of which has its own set of symptoms and potential solutions. If you wish to correct crowding, a faulty bite, irregular spacing, or impacted teeth and have a beautiful smile, you must have orthodontic treatment as soon as feasible. Schedule a visit with an orthodontist if you experience any of the above symptoms to discuss your treatment options and begin the journey toward better oral health and more self-confidence.