Reasons Why You Might Need Orthodontic Treatment

Many adults think that it is too late to straighten their teeth, but this is simply not true. In fact, dentists recommend that children get braces between the ages of 7 and 9, and adults can get braces at any age. Rather than wait until adulthood to begin orthodontic treatment, it is a good idea to start earlier on in life. This way, your teeth have more time to develop properly, and you have an opportunity to correct any potential issues before they become more severe.

Adults benefit greatly from wearing clear aligners or traditional metal braces. Straightening your teeth offers many benefits beyond just giving you a better smile. It can improve your ability to eat and speak clearly. It can also reduce problems with your bite, like uneven teeth and wear and tear on your enamel. In addition, straightening your teeth can help improve your confidence and give you a great boost in self-esteem.

Types of Bite Issues 

There are many types of bite issues that can be treated with braces or Invisalign. Listed below are some of the most common bite problems:

Overbite/ Underbite

An overbite refers to when the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth. This can cause problems with biting, chewing, talking, and appearance. It’s usually caused by genetics or thumb-sucking habits as a child. Thankfully, an overbite can be corrected with braces or Invisalign.

Patients who suffer from an underbite have the opposite problem as those with an overbite. In this case, the lower jaw protrudes forward while the upper jaw is recessed. This can lead to gum problems and speech impediments. It can also make the patient appear older than they are. Correcting an underbite usually involves an oral device that holds the jaw in place at night and promotes proper alignment during the day. This can be in conjunction with traditional braces or Invisalign.

Crossbite

This occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth. When a crossbite is left untreated, it can lead to issues with chewing and speaking properly. To correct this issue, one of our dentists will need to help reposition your upper jaw, which can be done through orthodontic treatments.

A crossbite can be corrected with braces or Invisalign® treatment. Braces use brackets to realign the teeth, while Invisalign uses a set of clear aligners to straighten them. Both methods of correction can typically be completed within a few years. In some cases, early intervention may be recommended for children before the issue worsens.

Openbite

An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth overlap when biting down. This can be due to an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. The overlapping of the teeth can cause painful and uncomfortable jaw issues when the teeth are clenched together, so it’s important to get treatment for your bite issue as soon as possible. Untreated bite problems can lead to further issues with your TMJ and dental health.

Deep Bite

A deep bite occurs when the back molars rest too far into the upper jaw, which can cause a number of problems. When a patient bites down with this type of occlusion, the front teeth come under more stress than the back teeth. This can lead to chipping and cracking of the front teeth as well as uneven wear that can result in tooth sensitivity.

At Wellness Centered Dentistry, Raymond Hsu, DDS, MAGD, LLSR, provides orthodontic treatment for patients in the Redmond, Washington, area. To learn more, call us or book an appointment online.