While many kids and teens look at orthodontics as something to be endured and adult patients may see them as a means to an end, the reality is that braces and Invisalign do more than just create straight teeth. There are some seriously scary problems that can exist when teeth are misaligned and they are likely to interfere with a person’s oral health too.
Too Many Teeth (or So It Seems)
This spooky Halloween season it may seem fun to have a gathering of teeth that overlap, but this is a real problem that isn’t known for correcting itself. Phase One orthodontics are the best solution for kids with a crowded bite. A customized expander is put in place and shifted daily to expand the palate and make more room for a bigger smile and teeth that don’t push in on each other.
Overbite
Whether thumb sucking leads to a problematic overbite or it is a genetic predisposition, having top teeth hanging pushed out over bottom teeth is a major problem. It might seem like an aesthetic issue more than anything, but your orthodontist knows it’s structural – and fixable. For many patients, correction might mean a few years of conventional braces with rubber bands to put upper and lower jaw into alignment.
Low Self-Esteem
A less-than-perfect smile can make a person feel self-conscious and awkward. Social anxiety and emotional stress are common for adults and kids with dental irregularities, and this can make a person’s confidence plummet. Addressing alignment issues early for kids helps their teeth look better and boosts their self-esteem at a critical time in young development. With the help of orthodontics, eating, speaking, and social interactions can improve and make the wearer happier and more confident.
Age-Related Changes
You’re never too old to get braces or Invisalign, and many adults discover that orthodontics aren’t a crazy idea. Teeth gradually change with age. If you’ve had orthodontics before, teeth can shift out of place for those who do not wear a retainer. If you experience visible crowding or gaps, your retainer or experience gum recession or worn, it’s time to see your orthodontist and find out what to do about misalignment.
Midline Misalignment
Midline misalignment might be more recognizable by who it affects – most notably, actor Tom Cruise. Look carefully at his head shot and you can see the center of his upper and lower teeth don’t line up with the center of his face. This asymmetry is common and might seem like a cosmetic problem, but it can indicate a structural bite issue whose underlying cause needs to be corrected. Elastics and comprehensive orthodontic treatment are usually necessary to fix the problem, though mild issues can sometimes be addressed with clear aligners.
Don’t Be Scared of Orthodontics
Modern orthodontics are powerful, discreet, fast, and designed to work for your phase of life. Every patient is different – the bottom line is that there is something that can be done and the sooner you start the better. From kids to teens to adults, there is a way to help everyone unhappy with their alignment. Schedule a consultation with the orthodontists at Lawrenceville Orthodontics in Lawrenceville and Philadelphia.