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Orthodontics can correct numerous tooth positioning issues to promote healthy, beautiful smiles in people of all ages. If you're unsure whether you could benefit from this treatment, learn more about the many conditions braces can improve below.

Signs You Should Discuss Orthodontics With Your Dentist

1. Bite Problems

Braces can correct bite issues, including overbites, underbites, and open bites. Overbites and underbites are where top teeth extend past lower teeth and vice versa. Alternatively, open bites occur when back teeth make contact, but teeth in the front or sides do not.

Bite problems can cause talking and chewing difficulties that result in muscle fatigue and headaches. They also increase the risk of injury because the mouth is misaligned. Additionally, overbites can eventually cause gum damage because of abnormal pressure on teeth, while open bites often cause tongue thrusting due to improper positioning.

2. Tooth Crowding

orthodonticsSometimes, too many teeth develop within one area of the mouth, resulting in crowding issues. Crowded teeth overlap, making it challenging to brush and floss normally, which increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. Depending on crowding severity, tooth extractions might be necessary before orthodontics can be applied.

3. Crooked Teeth

Teeth can grow in crooked for many reasons, including small jaw size, crowded baby teeth, extended thumbsucking and pacifier use, and jaw misalignments. Like crowded teeth, crooked teeth present cleaning difficulties that increase the risk of dental caries and gum disease. Additionally, crooked teeth in the front of the mouth can create appearance problems.

4. Irregular Spacing

Missing teeth from injuries and decay will create spaces in the mouth without treatment. Additionally, teeth that are too small can cause spacing problems. Large gaps make adjacent teeth shift and become crooked, and they also create cosmetic issues and allow large food particles to get stuck between teeth, which promotes decay.

 

To take your first step toward a stunning, healthy smile, schedule an orthodontics consultation with BridgeView Dental Group in Kodiak, AK. This dental practice features five dentists and orthodontists to provide the community with a full suite of oral health services. Call (907) 486-3257 today to make an appointment, or review their orthodontic services online.

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