If you are self-conscious about your teeth, have jaw problems, or want perfectly straight teeth, orthodontics is your saving grace. Here are a few of the most common problems we see and how they can be fixed with orthodontics!
Overlapping Teeth
Every once in a while the canines of one’s smile rest above other teeth. Overlapping teeth can be caused by anything from sucking your thumb as a child to losing a tooth at the wrong time. It’s a good idea to visit an orthodontist to discuss fixing an overlapping tooth to because they can often cause cavities, canker sores, and speech problems. Luckily, overlapping teeth can be fixed easily with traditional orthodontic treatments. These bad boys are reeled in using chains and bands to make an impressive grin, just like this young man above.
Overcrowding
Dental overcrowding is, simply, when you don’t have enough room in your mouth for your teeth. If your jaw is small, your teeth may be crammed together and get pushed into crooked angles. Or, if you lose a baby tooth early, your other teeth may move into the empty space, making the adult tooth grow in at the wrong angle. Leaving this problem unattended can result in plaque buildup because the teeth are too crowded to clean thoroughly. This can eventually lead to tooth and gum decay. This person’s smile was corrected by making room for teeth that needed to be brought forward.
Gaps
Gaps between the two front teeth are also very common and can create lisps and whistles while you talk. Braces can easily close up those two front teeth to help create a seamless smile. Even celebrities get braces to help fix their crooked grill. Miley Cyrus is no stranger to dental work, bringing her snaggle to a stunning smile. Gaps can be easily fixed with traditional braces or Invisalign.
Bite Problems
Bite problems are one of the most common reason that people visit an orthodontist. These usually include underbites, crossbites, or overbites. Bite problems happen when your jaw doesn’t align perfectly up-and-down. These problems can be fixed easily with traditional orthodontic procedures, but are easier when treated as a child rather than as an adult. Your child should see an orthodontist by the time they’re 7 to catch any bite problems early on.
No matter how genetics decided to stack your teeth, a great orthodontist can give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of. McDonough Orthodontics makes it their goal to give you the smile of your dreams.
By Jessica Doucette