Posted on November 22, 2023
When most people think of orthodontics, they instantly think of braces. While braces are a standard treatment option for various conditions, it’s essential to understand the different conditions an orthodontist can treat. Here are some of the most common conditions orthodontics treat.
Severe Overbite
While thumb sucking, pacifiers, and nail-biting may be potential causes for overbites, overbites are largely caused by genes. If you or your child has a severe overbite, orthodontics can help readjust the teeth and jaw to restore the bite to the correct alignment. This can help reduce jaw pain, improve chewing, boost oral health, and more.
Crooked Teeth
Crooked teeth are the most common condition that an orthodontist can treat. Teeth may be crooked due to overcrowding when your teeth are not adequately spaced apart. This can also be due to genetics or the way the teeth came in. Orthodontic treatments can help make teeth straighter and easier to clean.
Uneven Spacing
Sometimes, teeth come in naturally with significant gaps between them. This can make it challenging to maintain oral health because bacteria have greater access to the sides of the teeth and the gums. Even with proper hygiene, it can sometimes be challenging to prevent cavities. Orthodontics can help close the gaps between your teeth to protect your smile and your health.
Speech Delays
An orthodontist often sees young patients who have speech delays that may be caused by a misaligned jaw. Jaw misalignments and specific dental issues can make it challenging for children to learn to speak correctly because their teeth and/or tongue don’t line up properly. An orthodontist can thoroughly evaluate your child’s bite to determine if any dental problems must be addressed.
Sleep Apnea
Jaw misalignments can cause several issues, including sleep apnea. If the jaw is too small, it can cause the tongue to shift toward the back of the mouth and block the airway while you sleep, leading to sleep apnea symptoms. If you’re experiencing sleep apnea, an orthodontist can evaluate the situation to determine the appropriate treatment.
Orthodontic treatments help treat various conditions, including but not limited to crooked teeth, tooth gaps, and jaw misalignments. If you or your child is experiencing any of the above dental or jaw issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Smileyville Braces for a complimentary consultation today.
