In a previous article we discussed Common Problems Fixed With Orthodontics. Now we continue on with more about orthodontic treatment.
Crowding
When the teeth don’t have enough area to fit within the jaw, they crowd. They can’t get out of their gum tissue very well, and they won’t line up properly. Teeth are sometimes unable to erupt when there is too much crowding. This is called tooth impaction, it is an obstruction in the teeth that causes discomfort and can cause bigger issues if it is not dealt with in a timely manner. Orthodontics can easily treat crowding. With the help of orthodontic treatment, tooth extraction is usually avoided. In rare cases, tooth extraction cannot be avoided completely. Your orthodontist will be able to inform you about what is needed.
Premature loss of baby teeth
If your kid’s baby teeth came out early, and his or her adult teeth didn’t arrive for a while, his or her new adult teeth might be more likely to develop crooked or poorly. This is something you should be aware of since it could affect your child. Baby teeth are frequently vital in holding space for later permanent teeth. For this reason, we like to see children that are ages 7 and older. If your orthodontist detects any issues like this, they can set up reservations with space keepers to maintain room. This will assist a kid in his or her therapy considerably.
Sometimes, when a tooth is lost early, the teeth on the other side don’t fall or aren’t lost at very nearly the same time. As a result, that may cause some shifting. To compensate for the loss of a tooth on the other side, your orthodontist may have to remove another infant tooth on the opposite side.
Thumb sucking and pencil chewing
Sucking on a thumb can cause your kid’s front teeth to develop incorrectly. It’s also not good for the teeth to chew on pens or pencils for a similar reason. It’s critical to nip these behaviors in the bud as soon as possible so they don’t develop into serious issues down the road. Chewing on items can also harm your teeth in other ways, so it is best not to do it at any age.
When a patient sucks their thumb it is often readily apparent to your orthodontist. One sure sign is that the two front teeth will stick out quite further than the other teeth. If the habit is not corrected, no amount of orthodontic treatment will fix the problem. It’s critical to quit thumb-sucking habits at around age four or earlier.
Jaw shifting, clicking sounds, or the inability to open your jaw fully
This can be an indication of a problem with the teeth or jaws, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Orthodontists can check it and, if necessary, treat it. If a TMJ disorder is left unattended, it can become quite uncomfortable or painful.
Face injuries
When your child’s teeth are developing, a face injury might cause them to grow in crooked. If your child gets a facial injury, they should be brought to the dentist for a full examination. The sooner a problem is identified, the better. If a tooth has been knocked out or relocated significantly from an accident, it is critical for an orthodontist to start moving it right away.
Genetic issues and how they influence orthodontic treatment
The way your child’s teeth develop may be influenced by genetics. Parents who have issues with crooked teeth are likely to pass on the same issues to their children. Orthodontists exist because parents with malformed teeth have children who require orthodontic treatment as well. If you have crooked teeth, it is not your fault, and it is not your child’s fault either. It’s ok, because there is a solution. Thankfully, modern dentistry has developed orthodontic treatment that can give you a beautiful smile.
Gum disease and orthodontic treatment
Gingivitis and periodontitis are two forms of tooth disease that require immediate treatment. Gingivitis can become periodontitis when it is not treated. Gum disease, known as “Periodontal Disease” (also called “Periodontitis”) is an inflammation of the gums and bone that pulls away from the teeth and forms pockets. This can lead to a whole host of problems. If the teeth are not straightened, a child is more likely to get gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Other dangers that orthodontic treatment protects against
Treatment to straighten the teeth and properly build the jaw may help prevent additional dental problems. Treatments can help to open up the airways and prevent breathing difficulties, for example. It also lowers the likelihood of your child developing any of the following problems: speech disorders, sleep apnea caused by mouth breathing and/or snoring, and jaw or tooth grinding or clenching that can cause tooth discomfort and/or loss.
If you or your child have any of the problems listed above, you should get a consultation with an orthodontist to be evaluated. The earlier any of these problems are detected, the easier and less expensive it is to treat them. Braces may be applied at any age, although it is best to perform the procedure while the teeth and bones are still young. Young people typically require less time and effort for treatment. It’s crucial to start treatment at the proper time; you don’t want to begin too late or too soon.
Adults may recall being embarrassed or in pain as children when getting braces. It is not exactly the same treatment today as it was decades ago. There are several alternatives to consider, and while there may be discomfort at first, it does not have to be unpleasant for all. Some people think it has to hurt for it to mean they are working, but that is not the case: and with various treatments such as Invisalign, there is less discomfort than with traditional braces in most cases.
Various technologies now allow orthodontists to speed up the process of treatment as well. It’s never been less painful and faster to get straight teeth by getting orthodontic treatment.