Braces can be scary. But they are a great option to make you look good and feel great!
An incorrect bite (malocclusion) can be adjusted through the dental specialty of orthodontics. By moving misaligned teeth we may be able to transform your smile without any other dental work, or it could serve as a more solid foundation for other cosmetic enhancements.
To find out if orthodontics can benefit you, visit your dentist first. Your dentist may know your teeth best. After a dental exam, you will know if you’re making the right choice by investing in orthodontics (an orthodontist specializes in malocclusions).
Then research and meet your orthodontist. They will perform an evaluation and check your jaw growth and development (especially in younger patients whose teeth grow quickly).
Adolescents may need braces for crooked, overlapping, or overcrowded teeth. As kids grow, minor bite incongruences can develop into severe issues. You may have heard of overbites and underbites. When the upper jaw is bigger than the lower jaw, it’s called an overbite. When the lower jaw is bigger, it’s an underbite. Braces are more than just adjusting how these bites look. If your teeth may not line up properly, it makes it difficult to eat certain foods. If your teeth are bumping into each other it’s hard to clean your gums well. Sometimes the front teeth grind unevenly, which creates a an uneven wear pattern to teeth.
An orthodontist can provide an overview of not only the malocclusion but how it affects the rest of your mouth.
Your orthodontist can evaluate how the affected teeth align with other teeth. If your current bite is damaging your jaw joints then an orthodontia plan may be necessary.
Call Dr. Mark Reichman for more information about oral surgery! Follow his practice on Twitter @ReichmanMark.
