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Monthly Archives: July 2018
Basics of Orthodontics by Top NYC Orthodontist
4 Signs That You May Need Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic issues can have far reaching effects on your oral and overall health. This is why it’s important to address orthodontic issues early before they cause any complications. However, many people don’t seem to think they have serious issues and might not think that they need treatment. But issues can aggravate over time and become harder to correct later on. Here are some of the signs that you may need to undergo orthodontic treatment.
Crowding
Crowding is one of the most common issues orthodontists have to deal with. Crowding occurs when there’s simply not enough space for your teeth to fit correctly. Braces and other forms of orthodontic treatment are usually used to correct these issues in younger children and adolescents, but adults who have received treatment earlier may show signs of crowding later on in their lives.
One thing about crowding is that it gets worse and worse as it goes on and can lead to other complications if left unattended. This can lead to teeth becoming too close together to be cleaned and flossed, which can result in a variety of other related issues.
Spacing and Gapping
While some people might think that a gap between your teeth might be endearing, you shouldn’t have to deal with one if you don’t like it. Spacing and gapping are like the opposite of crowding. In many cases, people who have spacing issues are either missing a tooth or two or have uncharacteristically large jaws.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when your top row of teeth overlaps the bottom row. Not only is it noticeable but it could eventually lead to a whole host of other complications. This makes the risk of suffering front teeth trauma greater and increases the chances of fracturing your front teeth in case of an accident. A severe overbite could also lead to gum recession and extreme tooth wear.
Underbite
The underbite is the exact opposite of the overbite. An underbite is characterized by the bottom teeth protruding and covering the top row. This often occurs when people have an oversized jaw. A severe underbite can make biting and chewing difficult and accelerates the facial aging process.
If you’re showing any of the symptoms outlined in this article, then it’s definitely a sign that you should seek orthodontic treatment immediately. If you want to know which treatment would be the best for your condition, contact us today to set up an appointment with the best orthodontist in New York.
How Can I Treat an Underbite?
Dealing with a severe underbite can be difficult both mentally and physically. It can make everyday activities like chewing and eating difficult and can affect your appearance and self-esteem as well. The good news is that an underbite can be fixed with professional help. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common treatments for underbites to see which ones is the best for you.
Braces
Braces are usually the first treatment option that will be proposed to fix an underbite. Braces work by putting pressure on the teeth so they can move in a position where the lower and upper set of teeth don’t overlap severely when closing your mouth. A lot of people prefer going for braces since the change happens gradually and gives the bone the time needed to develop correctly.
Jaw Surgery
In extreme cases, patients will have no choice but to undergo jaw surgery to correct their underbite. While it’s not the number one choice for patients because of how intrusive the procedure is, it is also the one that provides the fastest results. Doctors will often recommend that surgery is followed by wearing braces for a period of time to make sure that the teeth stay aligned and don’t result in forming an underbite later on.
Jaw Expanders and Retainers
There are cases when braces cannot be used, and you have to use other alternatives instead. In these cases, jaw expanders and retainers might be recommended. This is often the case when the patient is just too young to get braces. Retainers work similarly to braces in many ways and prevent teeth from protruding by allowing them to grow the right way. While they may take more time to act then braces, they have similar results.
Jaw expanders, on the other hand, will stretch the cartilage and bone of the palate to expand the growing child’s arch and reduce the chance of them forming an underbite. They’re also very efficient in preventing underbites and will take about a year to work.
If you have an underbite, all these methods can help correct the situation. However, before you make your decision, you should ask your orthodontist which method would be the best for you. If you want to know more information on how to treat your underbite, contact us today to talk with the best orthodontist in New York.