Got Bite Problems? Braces Can Fix Them
Braces are used in orthodontic treatment to align and straighten teeth and position them with regard to a person’s bite, thus improving their dental health. According to oral health experts, they can be used by children from the age of six, but the best age to get braces is between 8 – 14 years, when the head and teeth are most conducive for straightening.
Severe bite problems can cause excessive grinding at night or during the day, which can cause the tooth enamel to wear off. Some bite problems can cause eating disorders and speech impairments. These problems can easily be corrected and treated by our dentists near you. Having your bite problems addressed will boost your confidence and give you a great smile.
Types of Bite Problems That Require Braces
The common types of bite problems that require braces are:
- Crowding
This happens when you have limited space to accommodate teeth and results in teeth being so close together. In this condition, they overlap and rotate. The cause of overcrowding is primarily a result of having a small mouth or large teeth.
- Gaps
Having a small gap in between the two front teeth is attractive and normal. However, if the gap is in other places or is bigger than normal, it becomes a problem. It can cause weakness in the gum and thus exposing it to the risk of gingivitis and diseases that damage the gum. In addition, it also ruins a person’s smile.
- Misalignment
It occurs when the teeth on the jaw are not properly aligned in the mouth. Although it is not so serious as other orthodontic problems, it will cause wear off of the enamel and affect the jaws and mouth joints.
- Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper jaw overextends towards the lower one, thus overshadowing the lower row of the teeth. This is the most common orthodontic issue. Problems associated with an overbite include frequent enamel damage, wearing off of teeth, and weak gums.
- Underbite
An underbite is when the lower jaw is protruding, causing the lower teeth row to cover the upper region of teeth. It is usually seen in children. Oral issues that come with an underbite are jaw stress and wearing off of teeth.
- Deep Bite
The front teeth extend and cover the teeth at the bottom row. This will cause harm to the gum tissue and wearing off of the enamel. The surface of the teeth can also cut the inner gum deeply, exposing the mouth to infection, and this can make the gum lose its firmness.
- Open Bite
This is when your back teeth are close together, and your front teeth are left open. It can also be that the front teeth are close together, and the back teeth are left open. Open bite is caused by having small size teeth and some childhood habits like thumb sucking and applying pressure on the teeth using the tongue. If untreated, it will cause slurry speech and difficulty in swallowing.
- Crossbite
There are two categories of crossbite; anterior, the lower teeth fit behind their upper teeth region, and posterior, where the upper teeth fit behind the lower teeth. Crossbites can occur on both permanent or temporary teeth and on one or more teeth, causing uneven facial appearance, enamel wear, and uneven jaw growth. In addition, the affected tooth can create a hollow in the gum tissue since it involves teeth protruding. This will expose the gum to other infections.
Types of Braces Used to Correct Bite Problems
The most common types of braces used are:
- Traditional braces – Are made from high-grade stainless steel and are the most common type of braces
- Self-ligating braces – They are like traditional braces but reduce friction and pressure applied to the teeth
- Ceramic braces – Are similar to metal braces but are clear, making them less visible
- Invisalign braces – These are invisible braces that can be removed at any time, and they resemble mouth guards acting as braces to straighten the teeth.
- Lingual braces – Are placed at the back of the teeth instead of the front, making them invisible when you smile.
For a great smile, visit Dipika Shah, DDS, LLC, for orthodontics if you are having bite problems to avoid oral problems associated with them.