Anyone can have orthodontic problems. They affect both adults and children, even if you have had braces when you were young. How is this possible? Teeth are always mobile to a certain degree. They gradually move all of the time with the normal forces of chewing and biting.
Misalignment of Teeth in Children
Teeth are pushed out of alignment in younger children when they develop habits such as tongue thrusting or thumb sucking. Orthodontic problems like those become more apparent when a child nears the age of 7. That’s when permanent teeth begin to appear. Orthodontics is the answer when it comes to fixing common teeth-straightening problems.
Misalignment of Teeth in Adults
An adult may notice their teeth are crowding toward the center of their mouth. Is your bite shifting with poor alignment because of a missing tooth? Thankfully, orthodontics treats problems for adults just like children. No matter your age, there is treatment available for common orthodontic problems.
Find out if you need care by scheduling an orthodontic exam. You will be diagnosed and have a treatment plan put in place. Before you receive treatment, you need healthy teeth and gums. If you’ve just had braces, wearing your retainer will assist in preserving results. Both children and adults need to maintain healthy brushing and flossing habits so orthodontics can produce the best results.
Know What to Look For
Many people tend to struggle with some type of orthodontic problem. Orthodontics specifically deals with complications with teeth and jawbones. Common problems can easily be fixed such as bite irregularities, teeth gapping, and crowding. Depending on the nature of the problem, the answer may be metal braces or even Invisalign. Typically, braces only need to be worn by the average person for about 2 years. Below are a few common problems that require a visit to an orthodontist.
Do You Have a Crossbite?
A crossbite is when upper teeth sit just inside lower teeth. This can move the jaw out of place and cause teeth to tilt more to the side. This type of malocclusion can cause teeth to bite closer to the tongue inside the region of lower teeth. It can cause misaligned jaw growth in children as well as tooth stratification. Adults may deal with difficulty chewing and biting as a result.
Tooth Crowding Can Be Fixed
Do you have a mouth full of too many teeth? Tooth crowding can happen when there is not enough room in your mouth for all of your teeth. Tooth removal can fix this problem or expanding your bite may be a better solution.
Midlines Make it Hard for Your Teeth to Work Properly
The line between your two lower front teeth and your two upper front teeth is called a midline. If those teeth do not line up, a backbite may not line up correctly. Midlines also make it hard for the jaw and teeth to work properly.
Overbites Can Be Serious
When upper front teeth partially cover or are too far in front of lower teeth, you have an overbite. Overbites can cause chewing and biting problems. They can even be so out of alignment that lower teeth bite directly into the roof of the mouth.
Open Bites Can Be Caused at a Young Age
Did you ever suck your thumb or push your tongue at the back of your front teeth? If so, you may have an open bite which is when lower and upper front teeth don’t overlap. An orthodontist can catch open bites in young children and offer treatment early. Adults can still get treatment at any age too.
Visit With an Orthodontist With Years of Experience
An orthodontist with years of experience can fix orthodontic difficulties. Orthodontics has evolved too. Treatments are less painful and more comfortable with innovative advances. No matter what type of orthodontic problems you have, schedule a free consultation today with Dr. David Ross at David Ross Orthodontics to discuss treatment. Before you know it, you’ll have even more to smile about.