When people think of orthodontic treatment, braces, and clear aligners such as Invisalign, they often conjure images of crooked teeth in need of straightening.
But did you know that orthodontic treatment can help with more than just a nice smile? Dr Shehan Warusevitane at Dentists of Ivanhoe wants local residents to know that orthodontic treatment can help with a broad range of dental issues, helping you not only achieve a picture-perfect smile, but better oral health, improved comfort, and more.
Orthodontic Treatment
Used for decades, orthodontic treatment is the gold standard used to correct misaligned smiles. Options vary from traditional metal braces, to clear aligners such as Invisalign, lingual braces and more.
Even adults can benefit from this safe and effective treatment, and with discreet options like Invisalign, more adults are taking the plunge.
Conditions Orthodontic Treatment Can Fix
Gaps and Spacing
“Gappy” teeth and large spaces can leave room for bacterial growth, plaque buildup and more. Aligners and braces can gently shift teeth into position, reducing spaces and improving overall oral health and appearance.
Overcrowding
Uneven or overcrowded teeth is a common occurrence in kids, teens and adults. The right orthodontic treatment can move teeth into optimal positions, equally spacing them and making room for overcrowded teeth that may have become crooked due to having no space to grow in.
Misaligned Jaw
Sometimes the result of an uneven bite, crooked or crowded teeth can result in significant pressure, strain and pain in your jaw. Over time this misalignment can progress to cause issues with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), a source of significant discomfort and pain.
Misaligned Bites
Underbites and overbites, known clinically as malocclusion can often be corrected with the use of aligners, allowing the jaw to shift into the ideal position.
Periodontal Problems
Gappy, crooked teeth and misalignment can result in increased difficulty when it comes to good oral health habits, including proper brushing and flossing. Large spaces, as well as tight crevices, can be equally detrimental, increasing the risk of developing gingivitis and gum disease.Having orthodontic treatment to more evenly space out your teeth allows you to properly clean and floss around each tooth, reducing the risk of gum issues.
Mismatched Dental Midlines
The midline between the upper and lower jaw is known as the midsagittal line. This seemingly innocent feature, when off by just a few millimetres, can cause serious issues to both the structure of your face as well as how your jaw sits. Orthodontics can aid with restoring symmetry to your face, and ensure the cusps of your teeth fit together properly, establishing a comfortable, even and aesthetically pleasing bite.
Chewing and Speech Impediments
Misalignment in your jaw, teeth, malocclusion issues, overcrowding and more can have an impact on both chewing and speech. Mild speech impediments can sometimes be the result of underlying dental issues, easily corrected with orthodontics such as braces or Invisalign.
Self-Esteem
Our smile is a big part of who we are. It is one of the first things people notice about us, and as such is a potential self-esteem booster or detractor. If your smile has you feeling down, braces or clear aligners can help.
Call or message today to set up an appointment where we can discuss your goals and options for transforming your smile into one you’ll be excited to show off.
