In a perfect world, we would all have straight teeth and beautiful smiles. However, that isn’t always the case! When you’re dealing with crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, you’ll likely experience other issues, too. Premature wear and tear on the teeth, TMJ pain, or chipped and fractured teeth are just a few of the potential hazards of a misaligned bite. Here at Sandifer Orthodontics, we see patients every single day who are looking to straighten their smiles and improve their oral health. But what exactly are the benefits of an aligned bite? Our team is here to explain the ways orthodontic treatment in Jackson and Brandon can transform your smile – and your life!
When is bite correction necessary?
A properly aligned bite is the basis for a straight smile and healthy teeth. Your bite may be misaligned for any number of reasons, but Dr. Sandifer has the skill and experience to correct a wide variety of malocclusions. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common orthodontic bite issues:
This is when the bottom teeth overlap in front of the top teeth. Your top teeth should always fit in front of your bottom teeth. When your teeth are in a crossbite, it is easier to damage a tooth or pinch your cheeks when chewing. It is really important to correct crossbites in early treatment to avoid a facial asymmetry which could result in surgery if you wait too late (for all the permanent teeth to erupt). Yes, malaligned bites affect the way your face grows and develops. This is one of the reasons why the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that a child see an orthodontist at age 7, and guess what?? YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WAIT FOR A REFERRAL!Â
Overjet/Overbite
Overjet is the relationship of the front teeth to the bottom teeth. This can result if the upper jaw is growing more than the lower jaw or if the lower jaw is behind in growth. Overbite is too much overlap of the top teeth over the bottom teeth. This can cause patients to bite into gum tissue or wear out the front teeth prematurely.Â
OpenbiteÂ
This is when the front teeth don’t overlap the bottom ones or line up with them correctly. They may not even touch the lower teeth at all which makes biting through a sandwich difficult. This condition is most commonly caused by tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, or growth patterns consistent with airway obstruction/sleep apnea. Openbite is harmful as it can wear down your back molars and put stress on your joints as well.Â
This is when the lower jaw sticks out more than the upper jaw instead of lining up together. This can be due to the upper jaw being underdeveloped, the lower jaw being overdeveloped or both. Therefore, it is important to see an orthodontist early to begin to address this growth issue.Â
What are the benefits of an aligned bite?Â
Now that you have a better understanding of the different types of orthodontic issues, let’s explore the benefits of correcting them and achieving a straighter smile!
Better overall dental health
When your teeth are properly aligned it’s easier to take care of your smile the way you should. If you’re dealing with a misaligned bite, you may miss some hard-to-reach areas, making room for plaque and food build-up. With orthodontic treatment at Sandifer Orthodontics, your smile will look great and be easier to maintain.Â
Better jaw health
A misaligned bite can be a sneaky cause of headaches and neck pain. If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms often, Dr. Sandifer can perform an orthodontic examination to determine if orthodontic issues are the root cause of the problem. One benefit of an aligned bite is teeth that function properly and eliminate extra tension on the jaw.Â
A more comfortable bite
If your teeth are not properly aligned, it can cause some serious pain! Certain teeth will get more use than others, causing uneven wear or even chips or fractures. After Dr. Sandifer has used braces or aligners to align your bite, your teeth will be more even and you won’t be focused on one area of your mouth when eating. This will give you a more comfortable experience when eating and eliminate any unnecessary tension.Â
A beautifully straightened smile
Having a beautiful smile should never be underestimated! Sure, the cosmetic aspect is great, but a stunning smile can also boost your self-esteem and help you feel confident. In more extreme cases, correcting a misaligned jaw can change the overall appearance of the face.Â
What options are available to straighten my smile?
Orthodontic technology has come a long way in recent years. Because of that, there are more options than ever to achieve a healthier, straighter smile. At Sandifer Orthodontics, we offer:
Damon Braces: Metal and Clear OptionsÂ
At Sandifer Orthodontics we’re proud to use the Damon system to correct crowded teeth, misaligned bites, and jaw problems. We have metal or clear Damon brackets that are bonded to your teeth. Once bonded, we then place wires through the brackets = together, these are called braces. Braces have changed a lot over the years and are smaller and more comfortable than ever. Now that’s something to smile about! Â
Clear braces at our Jackson and Brandon offices are designed to be less noticeable on your teeth than metal braces. Ceramic braces blend with the color of your teeth, giving you a treatment people may never notice. They’re smaller than ever and made of nearly invisible tooth-colored polycrystalline ceramic material.Â
Dr. Sandifer uses ceramic braces to move teeth just as efficiently as metal braces, except the brackets are clear, so they’re less noticeable. These ceramic options blend in well with your natural smile. Though they’re not completely invisible, and the brackets are about the same size and shape, they’re much less noticeable than metal braces.
Ceramic braces offer our patients a more aesthetic treatment option, but they can sometimes be more fragile and more expensive than metal braces. Because of this, Dr. Sandifer typically recommends them for older teen and adult patients.
Invisalign clear aligners
Invisalign treatment is a technique that straightens your teeth without braces, using a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-modeled to fit your teeth. The virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition your teeth into a smile you’ll be proud to show off.Â
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign has no metal bands or wires to trap food and plaque. Maintaining a good oral hygiene program will also reduce the chances of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. Invisalign from Dr. Sandifer will be much more comfortable than traditional metal bracket braces and can give you the same stunning results.Â
Align your bite and transform your smile with Sandifer Orthodontics
If you’ve been experiencing the unpleasant side effects of a misaligned bite, we’re here for you! Dr. Sandifer has the knowledge and expertise necessary to give you a healthier smile and a more aligned bite. Once you know the benefits of an aligned bite, we’re here for you to take the first step to correct any orthodontic issues. Contact our Jackson or Brandon office to schedule your free consultation and start smiling.