Did you know that straight teeth are more than just aesthetically pleasing? Straight teeth can actually benefit your health, which is just one more reason not to delay visiting your orthodontist in Schaumburg . When your teeth are straighter, it makes it easier to brush and floss, while crooked teeth can make it hard to reach certain areas. Orthodontics can make you feel more confident in the way you look and improve your oral health, so there’s no reason not to explore whether braces might be right for you. Keep reading for a look at different types of orthodontic issues that braces can address.
Crossbite
A crossbite means that your upper teeth rest inside or outside of your lower teeth. This misalignment can make chewing, biting, and speaking difficult, and may also lead to uneven wear on the teeth. Crossbite can also cause the jaw bone to shift to the side as it grows, which can result in painful jaw conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder. Early orthodontic treatment is best in cases of crossbite.
Underbite
If your lower teeth protrude out further than your front teeth, it’s referred to as an underbite. In extreme cases, surgery may be required to correct the position of the jaw. More often, however, orthodontic treatment can be used to improve an underbite. Braces may be able to help bring the upper teeth forward and move the lower teeth back into a proper position.
Open Bite
When the upper teeth and lower teeth do not meet when you bite down, orthodontists call this an open bite. An open bite can make it difficult to bite off food using the front teeth, and may affect speech, as well. Since the front teeth don’t receive pressure when biting down, it may cause extreme stress on the back teeth. This can cause the back teeth to wear down quickly and lead to other dental problems. If your orthodontist diagnoses you with an open bite, braces may be the right treatment option to help correct this aesthetic and functional issue.