What Issues Can Braces Fix?
Orthodontic braces are typically associated with fixing gaps in between teeth. However, did you know that braces can help correct a wide variety of dental issues? From misaligned jaws to overcrowding, understanding what braces can fix can help improve your oral health and the appearance of your smile.
What Dental Problems Can Braces Fix?
Braces can offer solutions for numerous dental issues, including:
Overcrowding
Overcrowding occurs when there is not enough space in the mouth for all of the teeth to fit properly. As a result, the teeth often shift out of their natural position, leading to a crooked and overlapping teeth alignment. Overcrowding can be caused by a number of factors, such as genetic disposition, extra adult teeth, early loss of baby teeth, and unusually large teeth.
Fortunately, braces can fix overcrowding by gently moving teeth into their correct position, which can enhance your oral health and prevent more severe problems in the long term, such as jaw misalignment and gum disease.
Misaligned Jaw
Jaw misalignment is a frequently seen issue that can be fixed with braces. This condition may develop due to an injury or developmental problems, or your jaw may be misaligned at birth. A misaligned jaw may occur in three ways:
- Overbite: occurs when the top teeth protrude too far over the bottom teeth.
- Underbite: happens when the lower jaw extends further forward than the upper jaw.
- Crossbite: develops when your teeth don’t fit comfortably over each other. Oftentimes, the top teeth bite down on the inside of the bottom teeth.
In most cases, getting braces can help correct misaligned jaws, leading to improved functionality.
Uneven Spacing
Also known as diastema, uneven spacing is a relatively common complaint, especially between the two upper front teeth. Although most patients wish to correct uneven spacing for cosmetic reasons, this condition can also increase your risk of developing gum disease. You may be at higher risk for gum disease because the excess space can make it easier for food and other particles to get trapped between your teeth.
Chewing and Speech Difficulties
Your teeth play an important role in the way you chew and swallow your food, as well as how you form words. When your teeth are not properly aligned, it can lead to considerable difficulties with eating and speaking. Braces can help shift the teeth into a comfortable position, enabling you to fully articulate your words and chew your food.
Periodontal Disease
Although braces cannot fix or heal periodontal diseases, braces can help prevent these conditions from developing. Problems like overcrowding and jaw misalignment can make it difficult to brush and floss each of your teeth adequately. When you cannot access certain teeth due to their position, it greatly increases the risk of cavities, tooth decay, gingivitis, and more.
Which Braces are Right for Me?
There are various different kinds of braces, each with its own advantages, including:
- Metal braces
- Clear aligners
- Invisalign
- Lingual braces
Which braces you choose will depend primarily on your orthodontic needs, age, and affordability. For less complex dental issues, like a minor overbite or uneven spacing, clear aligners and Invisalign may be suitable. However, you may need traditional braces for more complicated problems, such as severe underbites or overcrowding.
Get Orthodontic Care at Abra Dental
At Abra Dental, we understand how important it is to treat dental issues early on. Based on your initial evaluation, your doctor at Abra Dental can accurately diagnose any dental problems you may be having as well as recommend the best type of braces for your individual needs. Make an appointment at Abra Dental today to learn more about our comprehensive orthodontic and primary care.