Dental Problems That An Orthodontist Can Often Solve
Your dentist can offer treatments to address a wide range of dental concerns, but you may need to visit an orthodontist for certain conditions that can affect the teeth and other structures of the mouth. Orthodontists use braces, retainers, headgears, and other orthodontic devices to align teeth and the upper and lower jaws properly to resolve issues that are known to interfere with daily functioning. If you have any of these specific dental problems, an orthodontist may offer you the best treatment.
Crooked Teeth
Teeth that haven't grown in straight or are crooked because of a mouth injury or medical condition often cause problems that impact chewing and speaking and can also result in additional pain. Crooked teeth can also inhibit the growth and straightness of other teeth and lead to further dental problems. To correct crooked teeth, orthodontists often apply orthodontics, or braces, that can gradually straighten the teeth. Invisalign, which uses clear aligner trays to straighten teeth, is another treatment option that many orthodontists provide.
Underbite or Overbite
If your bottom teeth protrude beyond the upper jaw (underbite) or your row of top teeth severely projects forward (overbite), orthodontic treatments can often resolve either of these problems. A headgear that gradually pushes the bottom teeth back behind the top row of teeth can often correct an underbite effectively. An overbite, which can damage the teeth and gums if it isn't corrected, may be treated with braces, elastic bands, and surgery in severe cases. The orthodontist may also recommend wearing a retainer to keep the teeth from becoming crooked during treatment.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)
TMD can cause tightness and pain in the jaw joint and create additional difficulties with opening the mouth to eat or speak. Teeth can also get damaged by TMD if the condition is accompanied by teeth grinding. The excessive jaw joint tightness can often be alleviated by braces to correct crooked teeth or a poor bite that may exacerbate TMD symptoms. An orthodontist may also try using an oral appliance, such as a splint or night guard, to release tension from the jaw joint.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that interferes with breathing while sleeping, and you may notice that you wake up several times gasping for air during the night when your breathing is disrupted. An orthodontist can often treat this condition with an oral appliance that is similar to a retainer and works by neutralizing the tongue's position and shifting the jaw slightly forward to promote clearer breathing. Braces may also be used to straighten misaligned teeth that are contributing to sleep apnea.
If you have any of these dental conditions, you should know that you don't have to be stuck with the problem for life. An orthodontist in your area can evaluate your dental condition to suggest treatments that have been proven to give patients great results.
To learn more, contact a company like Laveen Smiles.
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