Orthodontics Near You
Many oral issues can arise for a patient when their teeth are crooked, uneven, or overcrowded. Aside from contributing to low self-esteem, it also diminishes the proper functionality of the mouth and the overall comfort of the patient. Misaligned teeth can be a challenge to clean properly and are more prone to plaque and tooth decay. Oftentimes, this can cause discomfort and even pain. Fortunately, the problems arising from crooked teeth and having overbites/underbites can be resolved by an orthodontist. If your teeth are misaligned and you are thinking of undergoing a corrective treatment option, you can visit our Orlando orthodontic clinic for a free consultation.
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is one of the branches of dentistry that specifically deals with teeth that are misaligned due to a variety of factors. Most orthodontic treatment happens during childhood and adolescent years, while teeth are most apt for correction. However, many adults seek orthodontic treatment and can still receive the best possible results, depending on their case. Orthodontic dentistry is often combined with cosmetic dentistry especially if the primary goal for the patient is motivated by aesthetic improvements.
Malocclusion
Orthodontics in Hunters Creek, FL is a vast branch of dentistry that covers many areas regarding teeth correction and alignment. One of those conditions is anteroposterior deviations, which, in simple terms, means an overbite or underbite. The misalignment in the jaw causes this irregularity in the teeth and is more obvious when the jaw is closed. Another condition covered by orthodontics is overcrowded teeth. This occurs when there is a lack of space in the mouth for teeth to grow, causing the teeth to grow in directions they normally shouldn’t.
These conditions are categorized as malocclusions. Malocclusion is simply defined as teeth misalignment. Almost everyone has a certain degree of malocclusion. Sometimes, a malocclusion is so insignificant and barely noticeable that there is no need for any correction. But at times a malocclusion needs to be corrected due to functionality and aesthetics.
Malocclusion can be categorized into three degrees. Class, I malocclusion is just teeth spacing problems. It might be that teeth have excessive space between them or that they are too overcrowded. Class II malocclusion is when there is an overbite. An overbite is when the upper set of teeth is protruding and not aligned with the lower set of teeth. Class III malocclusion is underbite. Medically called prognathism, this condition is characterized as the lower set of teeth protruding further than the upper set of teeth, and do not align with the upper set of teeth.
Why Treat Malocclusion
Aside from providing a more natural look and aesthetic smile, treating malocclusion is also necessary to prevent tooth decay and other oral issues from occurring. The irregularity of a misaligned tooth causes it to wear irregularly and can make it more prone to plaque and tartar buildup. Another issue that can arise from malocclusion is difficulty cleaning the teeth. Especially for overcrowded teeth, there are hard-to-reach places and pockets for food particles to get caught in. These areas are often difficult to clean using a regular toothbrush. TMJ is another reason to treat malocclusion. It is believed that one of the reasons for TMJ syndrome is misaligned teeth. Correcting the teeth alleviates stress and evenly distributes pressure to the entire jawline.
Treatment Options
Orthodontics offers a variety of options to treat malocclusion and other issues about misaligned teeth. An Orlando orthodontist can discuss your case and recommend different treatment options depending on this information. The most common treatment for misaligned teeth is fixed multibracket braces. This treatment requires brackets to be attached to each tooth using a strong cement-like adhesive. An adjustable wire connects all those brackets. The orthodontist tightens, adjusts, and replaces the wire periodically to effectively align the teeth.
Removable devices are also a common option for milder cases of malocclusion. Removable aligners such as Invisalign are the most commonly used method. They provide the same outcome braces do but are removable and can provide a more discrete and convenient treatment process.
If you are seeking more information about orthodontic treatments and malocclusion, you can get in touch with our orthodontist in Orlando for a free consultation. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and recommend you the most effective treatment method that will fit your lifestyle.
Our Services
- TMJ
- Braces
- Bruxism
- Sealants
- Dentures
- Retainers
- Invisalign
- Orthodontics
- Teeth Whitening
- Porcelain Crowns
- Root Canal Therapy
- Composite Fillings
- Oral Hygiene Aids
- Periodontal Disease
- Porcelain Fixed Bridges
- Cleaning and Prevention
- Bone and Gum Grafting
- Wisdom Teeth Extractions
- Dental Implants
- Oral Cancer Exam
- Porcelain Veneers
- Pocket Reduction Surgery