Dentistry, or dental medicine, is a branch of medicine focused on the teeth, gums, and mouth. These form important components of your body that help in functions like mastication and speech, in addition to providing aesthetic enhancement to your face. One subspecialty of dentistry that is gaining momentum is orthodontics.
The Dentist in Akron, OH, and their team help treat several orthodontic problems for rejuvenation of your oral health and smile.
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities, commonly known as malocclusions or improper bites. The primary goal of orthodontic treatment is to achieve proper alignment of teeth and jaws, leading to improved oral health, functionality, and aesthetics.
What are some common orthodontic problems?
Here are some common orthodontic problems:
- Crowding: This occurs when there is insufficient space in the jaw for all the teeth to align properly. Crowded teeth may overlap or twist, making them challenging to clean and increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Spacing: On the contrary, spacing issues involve gaps or spaces between teeth. This can result from missing teeth, small teeth, or a combination of factors. Spacing may contribute to aesthetic concerns and, in some cases, affect proper functioning.
- Overbite: An overbite, also known as a “deep bite,” occurs when the upper front teeth overlap significantly with the lower front teeth. This condition can lead to excessive wear on the lower teeth, jaw or joint pain, and issues with speech or eating.
- Underbite: In an underbite, the lower front teeth protrude beyond the upper front teeth. This misalignment can impact facial aesthetics, speech, and jaw function. It may also cause uneven tooth wear.
- Crossbite: Crossbite happens when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the jaws are closed. This can affect both the front and back teeth and lead to asymmetry in the facial appearance.
- Open Bite: An open bite occurs when there is a gap between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are together. This condition can interfere with proper biting and chewing and may contribute to speech difficulties.
- Overjet: Often referred to as “protruding teeth”, overjet involves the upper front teeth extending too far forward. This can increase the risk of injury to the front teeth and impact facial aesthetics
- Malocclusion Due to Habits: Prolonged thumb-sucking, pacifier use, or tongue thrusting can contribute to orthodontic problems by influencing the alignment of teeth and jaw development
Orthodontic treatments help enhance your oral form and function, in addition to improving your smile.
