How teeth are positioned affects your facial structure and ability to eat, drink, talk, and breathe. Irregularities can put more strain on your jaw and teeth over time, causing discomfort and crooked teeth. Orthodontists specialize in diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misalignments, uneven bites, and other dental issues that impact self-esteem, comfort, and oral hygiene. If you’re wondering if this type of dentistry can help you, here are a few common problems that they fix. 

3 Dental Irregularities an Orthodontist Will Treat 

1. Overbite

If the top row of your teeth overlaps the bottom row, you have an overbite. The upper jaw bone might protrude past the bottom jaw because of the shape of your skull or because of dental misalignment. To correct this, an orthodontist might fit you with braces, bite planes, or other dental appliances that put less pressure on the back teeth and gradually move your lower jaw forward to create an even bite.

2. Underbite

With an underbite, the lower teeth overlap the top row of teeth. When the bottom row rubs against the top row, the friction can cause premature wear to your enamel and jaw pain from nighttime grinding. Braces, retainers, and other devices are also used to correct the issue and help you find relief.

3. Crowding

If teeth don’t have enough room, you could experience crowding issues that may push your teeth out of alignment. This can make it difficult to brush each tooth and floss between teeth, leading to tooth decay, gingivitis, or periodontal disease. Wide gaps between teeth can also leave gums exposed to bacteria, increasing your risk of infection. Spacing problems are often fixed with braces, which use pressure to gradually reposition teeth.

For effective orthodontics solutions to repair your smile and improve your oral health, contact the team at Hawaii Orthodontist. With locations in Honolulu and Waipahu, HI, their orthodontists can fit you with corrective devices including Invisalign® aligners and Clarity™ braces to discreetly create a perfect smile. Find updates and customer reviews on Facebook, see what they can do for your mouth on their website, or call (808) 947-3737 to schedule an appointment.