Oral health is an essential aspect of your life. Proper dental health contributes to your overall health and wellness, as well as ensuring an excellent physical outlook. The person to whom you will entrust your dental health is a crucial decision you need to make. If you have improperly positioned teeth, which cause overcrowding of teeth, overbite, crossed bite, or uneven spaces between teeth, it is essential to visit a dental specialist. The Downey Dentist offers numerous kinds of orthodontic services aimed at promoting the function and appearance of your teeth and gums. Our orthodontic specialists provide top quality dental services to residents of Downey, CA; contact us to solve your dental issues today.

Overview of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that aims at correcting improperly positioned teeth and jaws. If you have crooked teeth or teeth that do not appropriately fit, you will find it harder to keep them clean. Also, crooked teeth will cause extra stress on the chewing muscles. This will cause wearing out of gum and end up to untimely tooth loss. Apart from health complications, crooked teeth will negatively affect your appearance. Everybody wants to have a pleasant smile, and tooth arrangement is a crucial element to fulfilling this.

A misaligned dental formula can develop in childhood from your genes, while others come about later in life during adulthood. For most dental complications, it will be better to treat them in childhood. This way, the problem will be efficiently and effectively addressed. There are numerous procedures through which you can get treatment or complicated teeth positioning problems. If you are dealing with a complex tooth problem and want to restore your appearance, it is essential to consult an orthodontic specialist. Your doctor will explain all available treatment methods for your condition. This will help you choose what best suits your dental needs.

Common Problems that Require Orthodontic Treatment

Many orthodontic problems affect your overall oral health as well as your appearance. With your dental history and symptoms, the doctor will be able to determine the specific issues. The orthodontic specialist will determine whether an orthodontic treatment plan will be helpful to your condition. Below we will discuss some dental complications that will make you a candidate for orthodontic treatment.

Overbite

An overbite is teeth misalignment ranging from mild to severe. An overbite not only creates an unpleasant appearance but also causes damage to other teeth and jaws. An overbite can be a result of tongue thrusting. Tongue thrusting occurs when your tongue presses too forward in the mouth. Also, malocclusion can be caused by the uneven jaw, which is often a genetic malformation.

Depending on the severity of your condition, an overbite may cause breathing complications, chewing difficulties, and speech impediments. Moreover, the overlapping jaws may cause injury to your gums, causing pain when chewing. A severe misalignment of teeth affects your general facial appearance. Thus, you should seek orthodontic treatment to fix this problem.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth is a condition where the molars at the back of your mouth lack enough space to emerge. Impacted wisdom teeth may not always show symptoms, but when they do, they can cause mouth infection and loss of teeth. You may experience symptoms such as:

  • Tender and bleeding gums
  • An unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • Difficulty opening your mouth
  • Red, swollen gums

Impacted wisdom teeth result from a lack of enough space in the mouth. In some cases, the tooth may emerge entirely or partially depending on the severity of the condition. Whether the tooth emerged fully or partially, the tooth may grow towards the other molar or stay trapped within the jawbone. If you have the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, you need to visit a doctor. This is because this condition may cause several dental complications as follows:

  1. Damage of other teeth. When the wisdom tooth lacks space in the mouth, it pushes against other teeth, which could cause infection. The pressure can also create an overcrowded mouth that will require orthodontic treatment to align the teeth.
  2. Tooth decay. Impacted teeth are challenging to clean and maintain. Accumulation of bacteria and food particles between these teeth may result in tooth decay.
  3. Gum disease. The difficulty of cleaning impacted wisdom teeth increases the risk of inflammation, which could result in gum disease.
  4. Wisdom tooth develops in a sac within the jawbone. The impacted teeth will result in fluid-filled pouches that can damage the jaw nerves and teeth. 

Dental Overcrowding

Dental overcrowding is a condition where there is insufficient space in your mouth for all the teeth to fit. One of the main contributing factors to congestion is having large teeth that take up space meant for other teeth. This causes some teeth to grow over others, which is not a pleasant look. Other risks associated with overcrowding include:

  • Gum disease
  • Ineffective tooth function
  • Pain and discomfort
  • Poor self-esteem due to a negative outlook

If you are experiencing toothache and discomfort where you suspect it is a result of overcrowding, it is essential to consult your dentist right away. Through examination, the dentist will determine the severity of the condition and the extent of orthodontic treatment you require.

Widely Spaced Teeth

Spacing is excessive space between teeth that results in numerous uncalled for gaps. Excessive spacing between teeth results from having smaller teeth than the available space. Also, protrusive teeth, missing teeth, and impacted teeth may be a cause of abnormal spacing between teeth. Sometimes, this spacing is a result of unusual tissue attachments to the gums.

Spacing may result in gum problems since they are not protected. Apart from the health problems brought about by the spacing, it also brings about social issues since spaced teeth make your smile less attractive. Fortunately, this condition can be corrected, and you should visit a dentist as soon as possible to seek treatment.

Improper Eruption and Protrusion

After losing the baby teeth, your permanent set will erupt through the gums. You suffer improper eruption when these teeth erupt partially at a tilted angle or on the wrong spot. Protrusion occurs when the upper teeth extending too far forward, or the lower teeth don’t extend as expected. Orthodontists may recommend extraction of the poorly erupted teeth and the installation of braces to treat this problem. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort resulting from improper tooth eruption, consider seeking dental treatment.

Methods of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment involves the use of appliances to correct the position and alignment of teeth. There are numerous methods of treatment, and the best one for you will be determined by the nature and severity of your condition. Common orthodontic treatment methods include:

  1. Braces

Dental braces are wire fitted appliances that dental specialists use to correct misaligned or crowded teeth. In most cases, braces are effective when installed at a young age, often between eight and fourteen years. Dental braces will offer corrective orthodontic treatment for:

  • Overcrowded and crooked teeth 
  • Overbite where upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth
  • Upper front teeth that bite behind the lower ones
  • Uneven bite
  • Too much space between teeth

Properly aligned teeth and jaws will improve the outlook of your teeth and make your smile pleasant. Braces correct misalignment of teeth earlier in life. If you wear braces as an adult, you may be required to wear them longer compared to children between eight and fourteen years of age. Dental braces could either be permanent or removable depending on the severity of your condition. Fitting of braces is a safe procedure. However, you may experience stains on your teeth due to the loss of minerals from the enamel. Also, your teeth may develop cavities that result in gum disease. 

Failure to follow the instructions on teeth care when the braces are removed, you may lose some of the corrections made by the braces. When teeth move during realignment, some of the ones that hold the tooth are dissolved. The roots of your teeth may shorten during this process, which may cause tooth problems in the future. If your dentist notices issues with your teeth or jaws, they will recommend you to an orthodontist. The specialist will diagnose your problem and determine whether you will need braces.

  1. Palatal Expanders

Orthodontic treatment does more than move to align teeth. Besides braces, your orthodontist can recommend a palatal expander to create more room for permanent teeth. This is by gradually spreading the palate bones. A palatal expander is a custom made device made to fit over several teeth and back of the mouth.

Early detection of orthodontic problems will make it easier to correct the issues. When palatal expanders are fitted during childhood, it prevents teeth crowding in adulthood. A palatal expander is used as a remedy for impacted teeth, crowding, and crossbite. Expanding your jaw can also pleasantly broaden your smile. Even expansion of your palate reduces the number of teeth that have to be removed to create space.

Using a palatal expander is an orthodontic treatment method that covers a wide range of problems. Since the upper jaw of the mouth develops as two separate halves that fuse in adulthood, it is easy for the plate to expand and create more space in your mouth.

  1. Aligners

Dental aligners are an alternative to braces for adults. The aligners are commonly used to move and maintain teeth without metal wires and rackets. Aligners are temporary and invisible. This makes it easy to remove when cleaning the mouth or eating.

  1. Forsus Spring Appliance

These are solid devices used for matching teeth bite. The device is placed between the lower and upper teeth and pushes the lower teeth while pulling the upper ones to match the bite. This corrects class 2 malocclusions. Class 2 malocclusion happens when the upper teeth (and jaw) protrude the lower ones. This method of orthodontic treatment aims at aligning teeth to reduce overbite while promoting the proper growth of your jaw.

The Forsus appliance consists of spring coil rods permanently fixed on your braces. Once the Forsus appliance is put into place, you will be required to maintain it for six to nine months, depending on the intensity of your case. Forsus can correct class two malocclusions faster and more efficiently compared to other methods. Also, it is efficient for individuals who tend to forget to put on the headgears and rubber bands. Early application of the Forsus may prevent the worsening of jaw problems. This will save you from future jaw surgery.

However, there are a few problems you may run into with the Forsus appliance. Sometimes opening your mouth too wide can cause the rod to detach from the sprig. Fortunately, you can be able to assemble it back without having to go back to the dentist. If your Forsus appliance is giving you difficulties or discomfort, it is essential to visit your dentist for correction.

  1. Retainers

Orthodontic retainers are devices made of clear plastic and wires to attach. Fasteners are used to keep the straight teeth in place after the removal of braces or dental surgery. These devices are always an end-stage of orthodontic treatment. It is essential to always wear your retainers properly. This is because they keep teeth in a straight position while the jaw and bones adjust to the new arrangement. Your teeth may likely move back to their original jobs if the retainers are not properly maintained.

Moreover, the retainers help prevent the buildup of bacteria and make your teeth easier to clean. Along with correct teeth fit, a perfect bite from the retainers will help children chew food more efficiently.

  1. Space Maintainers

The space maintainers are removable devices uses to maintain a correct spacing between teeth. They are made with an acrylic base that fits over the jaw. Also, they have plastic branches between the teeth to maintain proper space. Your dentist is likely to recommend this type of orthodontic treatment if you have overcrowded teeth or significant gaps between the teeth.

  1. Headgear

A headgear is a device where a strap is placed around your neck and attached to your face. This helps slow down the growth of your upper jaw while holding back the teeth I position.

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

A lifetime toothache and problems can be costly and uncomfortable for you. The benefits of getting orthodontic treatment can last a lifetime that makes it an excellent investment, especially when done earlier in life. Also, healthy teeth are a vital element to your quality of life and will create confidence when you know you can smile freely. The following are some short term and lifelong benefits you accrue from receiving orthodontic treatment:

  • Reduced wear and tear of teeth. A prolonged period of unhealthy teeth biting causes the teeth to wear and tear from grinding. Such wear will cause weak fragile or even broken teeth which can be very painful. Moreover, the ones supporting your gums and tissues may get damaged, causing periodontal disease.
  • Preparation for other treatments. If you have a severe teeth realignment, your dentist may want to put them in the correct order before carrying out other procedures. This type of process will prepare you for more complicated procedures such as the replacement of missing teeth.
  • Healthier gums and teeth. Crooked teeth create unreachable spaces where food particles accumulate and cause gum disease. Getting orthodontic straightening of the teeth will make all parts of your teeth accessible for cleaning. This reduces the risk of periodontal and gum disease ensuring healthier gums and teeth.
  • Orthodontic procedures will help improve your ability to chew and teeth functionality. This is by proper alignment of the jaws and creating a smooth bite.
  • When orthodontic problems are severe, they may make it difficult to speak. Treatment of these problems can improve your speech immensely. If your child is not speaking correctly, you can check their teeth alignment and get treatment for them.
  • When teeth are overcrowded and overlapping, it is difficult to clean them. Failure to reach these places will cause and mouth odor. When your teeth are realigned, it will be easier to clean them and maintain good dental hygiene.
  • Aesthetic value. Crooked teeth, overcrowding of teeth in the mouth as well as too much space between teeth is not attractive. This may affect your self-esteem and social life in general. Orthodontic treatment will correct the physical appearance of your teeth and make you feel good about yourself.

Find an Orthodontics Specialist Near Me

Poor oral health and appearance of your teeth and jaws can affect both your general health and your social life. A visit to the dentist can be a nerve-wracking experience; that’s why you will require a specialist who makes you feel comfortable and at ease during the process of treatment. The Downey Dentist offers high-quality orthodontic services to bring out the best out of your oral health. If you or your loved one is facing dental complications anywhere within Downey, CA, you will need our help. Contact us today at 562-746-0350 for a consultation on your dental issues or to schedule an appointment.