Oral health is foundational to good overall health. Through the help of an orthodontist and bite correction, difficulties with chewing or speaking can be overcome. The inability to ingest food or clearly articulate impacts both physical and mental health. Bite correction has the potential to change the course of an individual’s health and wellness.
Changes in tooth alignment occur as the bone structure grows during adolescence and adulthood. As an individual grows older, the mouth's structure in both the upper and lower jaws should have the same U-shaped arch. As these arches align, the front teeth will rest comfortably on top of the lower teeth, though they will extend slightly beyond the bottom teeth. When the jaws do not line up correctly or when the adult teeth do not grow in properly, it can lead to oral health problems, create discomfort, and impede speech or chewing activities.
When the jaws are not properly aligned, it could lead to one of three types of bites. These are:
Malocclusion, or a misaligned bite when the jaw is closed, can affect one’s life, particularly in key life skills like eating and chewing.
Crooked teeth can make it harder to chew, causing discomfort and pain if not taken care of. Grinding and clenching can occur, which can cause premature tooth loss, broken teeth, or worn gums. Misalignment can strain the temporomandibular joint, creating cracking sounds when eating or speaking, frequent headaches, or severe jaw pain.
Speech difficulties can also come from poor tooth alignment, as the teeth are a crucial part of the speech process. Teeth that are twisted, overlapped, or crooked alter the way the tongue moves during speech. This can sometimes create a whistling noise as air passes between the teeth or cause the sounds to appear slurred.
The treatment used to address alignment or spacing problems with the teeth is termed bite correction. A consultation with an orthodontist will clarify what solution is best for a patient's situation. Upper and lower jaw alignment can often be corrected non-surgically through braces, either with the traditional metal brackets or clear aligner trays.
Appliances are fitted to the teeth and apply pressure to expand the jaw and slowly realign teeth into the desired position. Bands or extenders that connect the upper and lower appliances help pull the jaw into alignment. Brackets and aligners also slowly move crooked teeth into a uniform line without gaps or spacing problems. The severity of the condition determines how long appliances are worn, but plans can often take six months or longer to help ensure the teeth and jaw safely shift into new positions.
Orthodontics often uses pressure and special appliances to gently reposition teeth. Schedule a consultation to find out more about the treatment options that can help improve your speech or chewing patterns.
Request an appointment here: https://www.brooklyn-orthodontist.com or call Brooklyn Heights Orthodontics: Susan Liebman, DMD at (718) 416-6368 for an appointment in our Brooklyn office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontist in Brooklyn, NY.
When a patient tries to find an orthodontist, specific questions can help narrow the search and match the patient to the right provider. Whether you are searching for a new orthodontist in the same town or there is an urgent need to find an orthodontist after a move to continue treatment, these questions help narrow…
Anyone who wants to correct teeth misalignment and bite issues first must find an experienced and trustworthy orthodontist. Establishing orthodontic care early on can help prevent the need for more extensive procedures down the road. Patients already established with an orthodontist can schedule appointments for ongoing treatment more quickly and easily. Although many people choose…
As teenagers grow up, they may need orthodontic treatment, particularly if they have crooked teeth or gaps in their smile. These issues can affect their self-esteem and take a toll on their mental health if they are left unaddressed. Clear aligners are an effective treatment for teens to help correct misaligned or crowded teeth. In…
For a nicer smile, clear aligners could be the right solution for you. There are other methods of straightening teeth and repairing alignment issues, but aligners have advantages. There are benefits to using aligners that other treatments cannot provide. Your dentist can answer questions and concerns you may have. It is good to understand how…
When a patient tries to find an orthodontist, specific questions can help narrow the search and match the patient to the right provider. Whether you are searching for a new orthodontist in the same town or there is an urgent need to find an orthodontist after a move to continue treatment, these questions help narrow…
Anyone who wants to correct teeth misalignment and bite issues first must find an experienced and trustworthy orthodontist. Establishing orthodontic care early on can help prevent the need for more extensive procedures down the road. Patients already established with an orthodontist can schedule appointments for ongoing treatment more quickly and easily. Although many people choose…