Are you struggling with crowded teeth? Do you have a large gap between two teeth or an overbite? If so, you might want to consider seeing an orthodontist. Even though some of these issues do not necessarily cause pain and discomfort right away, they can get worse over time. Not only can they physically worsen, but dental issues can lead to lower self-esteem and, unfortunately, a hesitance to smile.
Abnormal Bites
Your teeth do more than just chew. As it turns out, your teeth act as shields, with the lower row protecting your tongue and the upper row protecting your inner cheeks. Typically, the upper row of teeth should fit ever-so-slightly over those on the bottom row. When your teeth are not properly aligned, this is called malocclusion, and it is largely viewed as a genetic condition. Fractured jaws, tumors in the jaw, impacted teeth, and retainers or braces that were not properly fitted can also contribute to malocclusion.
There are three types of malocclusion, all of which can cause complications later on down the road. While overbites are the most common bite abnormalities, crossbites and underbites can be just as problematic. Overbites leave you more vulnerable to damage to your front teeth. Underbites cause chewing issues, and crossbites can lead to gum recession.
Crowded Teeth
The human jaw only has so much space, and, sometimes, there just isn’t enough of it. Crowded teeth might seem relatively harmless, but they can actually cause severe issues as time goes on. Not only can they make you feel self-conscious, but crowded teeth can make you more vulnerable to oral injuries and even create speech impediments and excessive saliva production if left untreated.
Jaw Pain or Clicking
Do you notice pain, discomfort, or clicking in your jaw when you open and close your mouth? Are you grinding your teeth at night? If so, you might have what is called temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). TMJ is known to cause alignment issues and is most common in young female adults. If you are under a great deal of stress, this can trigger TMJ or make it worse. TMJ can negatively impact your eating and sleeping habits and can be the cause of severe headaches. Orthodontists from clinics like Night & Day Dental are able to detect, diagnose, and help decrease TMJ symptoms through various orthodontic treatments, including braces and retainers.
Everyone deserves to feel confident enough to smile. When your teeth stop you from smiling and/or are causing you a great amount of pain or discomfort, you should consider seeing an orthodontist for help. Malocclusion, crooked teeth, gaps, inverted teeth, and TMJ have devastating effects that worsen over time, so it is important that you stay proactive with orthodontic treatment.