Not a fan of your smile? You're not the only one. Over 45 million American adults may need orthodontic treatment, and about nine million adults each year receive treatment for issues with their bites or tooth spacing. If you think you may need help with your smile, here are some reasons you may need treatment with orthodontics.
Bite Issues
Many people don't think about their bite until biting becomes an issue. If you think you may have a bite issue, you need to have your jaw checked out by a dentist. There are three kinds of malocclusions- or bite problems.
Overbites happen when someone's top teeth come down too far over their lower teeth. Underbites occur when your upper teeth fit behind your lower teeth when you bite down. There are also crossbites, which means that your jaws don't align when you bite down.
While your bite may not seem like a big issue, it can cause lots of problems for your jaw. Malocclusions can cause you to have inflammation of your jaw joint (temporomandibular joint, or TMJ), which can be very painful. You may also have issues with brushing and flossing your teeth due to your bite issues, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Tooth Spacing
You may also have an issue with your teeth because they are crowded too closely together, or they are spaced too far apart. Teeth that are spaced too far apart may make you self-conscious about your smile. However, if your teeth are spaced too closely together, you may have problems brushing and flossing those overcrowded teeth. This can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
If you think you have issues with your bite, or you think your teeth aren't spaced correctly, your first move is to have a dentist look at your teeth and gums. They will be able to tell you whether you might benefit from orthodontics. That way, you'll be smiling for all of those pictures in no time at all.
About Us | Orthodontist Kennett Square, PA | Greeley Orthodontics We take the time to review your medical history and conduct an oral examination to get a clear picture of your health. Learn more about us here! Greeley Orthodontics - Connie Greeley, 400 Old Forge Lane Suite 406, Kennett Square, PA 19348 : 484-346-6008 : greeleyortho.com : 12/11/2024 : Associated Words: orthodontist Kennett Square PA :