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For many, braces are considered a treatment that helps straighten teeth for cosmetic purposes. And while it may be true that orthodontic treatment does straighten smiles, this form of dental care is designed to addressed specific issues that interfere with oral health. If you’re wondering whether you should talk to a family dentist about braces, here are three common issues that might benefit from orthodontic care.

Top Issues That Braces Can Help Fix

1. Bite Problems

Bite problems develop due to the improper formation of the jaw. Overbites, for example, occur when the upper row of teeth protrudes and covers the bottom row. Underbites, on the other hand, will force the chin to stick out as the lower teeth extend past the upper row. If left uncorrected, these problems can contribute to severe jaw pain, problems eating or speaking, sleep apnea, headaches, and tooth decay.

Depending on the extent of the bite problem, braces may help correct the issue. By attaching a series of metal brackets and wires to the teeth, orthodontists are able to gradually realign the teeth and correct jaw positioning. If additional correction is needed, a jaw expander or “reverse-pull” headgear may be recommended.

2. Spacing Issues

family dentistReferred to as a “diastema” by family dentists, gapped teeth are often considered to be a primarily cosmetic issue. While some gaps may not present any particular risk, this issue may reflect problematic imbalances between the jaw and teeth. Over time, the gap may continue to grow and prevent other teeth from developing correctly.

Braces are a common approach to fix spacing issues as they can help gently guide the teeth closer together. If the gap is the only problem, treatment can usually be completed within a relatively short amount of time. However, treatment may be optimized to correct co-occurring issues—such as crooked or crowded teeth.

3. Overcrowding

Overcrowding occurs when teeth do not have enough room to develop, causing them to force tightly together. Apart from cosmetic issues, crowding can complicate oral hygiene, cause premature tooth wear, and create deep pockets in the gums that contribute to periodontal disease.

With braces, crooked teeth are straightened out and then pulled to relieve pressure on other teeth. If the mouth is too small to comfortably accommodate all teeth, some may be extracted by a family dentist to create more room.   

 

If you have a child that is experiencing any of the above issues, seeking help from a trusted pediatric orthodontist early on can help prevent long-term dental health issues. Offering comprehensive children’s dental care in Florence, KY, for nearly 40 years, Bert E. Bathiany IV, DMD is a trusted resource for state-of-the-art orthodontic treatments—including braces and Invisalign®. After an in-depth examination, this family dentist will help you and your child explore different corrective treatment and guide you through every step of the process to produce positive results. For more details on these services, visit this practice online. To schedule a stress-free consultation, call (859) 525-2100.

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