Orthodontic treatment involves the use of specialized devices, such as clear aligners, to correct issues like jaw irregularities and malocclusions. An orthodontist conducts comprehensive examinations to detect potential bite problems and assess your jaw and facial growth. Evaluations also help orthodontists tailor treatments to correct any identified issues and improve your long-term oral health. Here is more information on how professional orthodontic treatment can impact your oral health in the long term:
Reduced Tooth Abrasion
A professional orthodontist helps mitigate reduced tooth abrasion by realigning your teeth and correcting crowding or bite issues. Well-aligned teeth promote an even distribution of chewing forces, helping to minimize wear over time. By correcting crossbites, the bite pattern improves, and the disproportionate pressure that’s exerted on the teeth during mastication stops. This leads to more balanced chewing, reduced risk of abnormal wear, and enhanced teeth’s integrity. Corrected crowding contributes to improved oral hygiene, which in turn reduces the likelihood of decay-related abrasion.
Minimized Risk of Gum Disease
Orthodontic problems that can cause gum disease include gaps between the teeth (spacing), crowding, bite misalignment, and tooth movement. These issues increase the risk of gum disease by allowing plaque to accumulate and oral bacteria to proliferate. The uneven bite or chewing forces on certain teeth and gums caused by malocclusion may lead to gum recession and jawbone loss. Due to the trauma exerted on the gums by malcoclusion, entryways for oral bacteria may form, increasing the risk of gum disease.
With quality orthodontic treatment, the risk of gum recession and bone loss is minimized because of the balanced distribution of chewing forces. Orthodontic solutions, such as clear aligners and traditional braces, help straighten teeth and correct issues like crowding. This reduces the risk of bacterial biofilms forming at the gumline, helping to prevent the onset and progression of gum disease stages, such as gingivitis. During checkups, an orthodontist monitors your gums to identify and manage any signs of gingivitis or periodontitis before they escalate.
Improved Jaw and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Health
Bite problems can lead to various jaw and TMJ-related issues, such as:
- Restricted jaw movement
- Jaw muscle strain and pain
- TMJ disc displacement
- TMJ overload and inflammation
- Headaches and migraines
Alignment of mispositioned teeth leads to a harmonious bite, helping alleviate the uneven and abnormal stress exerted on the TMJs. A balanced bite can also help enhance jaw movement and prevent joint overloading. Treatments like clear aligners, palatal expanders, and braces also contribute to a more balanced occlusion. When the teeth on the upper and lower jaw fit together correctly, the jaw muscles work efficiently without overexertion. This gradually helps alleviate the fatigue and tenderness in these muscles, preventing possible TMJ pain.
Visit an Orthodontist Today
Orthodontic treatment can help transform your smile and enhance your oral health by correcting bite problems, jaw irregularities, and teeth misalignment. Some treatments that also help improve functions like speech, chewing, and yawning include retainers, clear aligners, Invisalign, palatal expanders, and traditional metal braces. If you have crooked teeth, bite problems, or gapped teeth, seek the help of a reliable and trusted orthodontic specialist today.
