Orthodontic Treatment: Will my teeth naturally straighten out over time?

Patients generally do not relish the thought of wearing braces to correct a malocclusion. However, if teeth are crooked, malformed, overcrowded or contain gaps between teeth, it is just wishful thinking that these issues will disappear on their own. Orthodontic treatment is usually required to re-align teeth to their correct position.

Straightening teeth should be done for more than just aesthetic purposes. Although we all want a beautiful smile, there are other considerations when seeing the orthodontist about treatment.

Crooked or misaligned teeth can produce negative results including:

·         Areas that are difficult to reach with a tooth brush and dental floss become a breeding ground for bacteria and plaque build-up that can cause dental decay, gum disease, bad breath, and the potential for tooth loss.

·         A malocclusion occurs when the top teeth do not align correctly with the bottom teeth. When this is the case, patients often start to grind and clench their teeth and jaws. This is a habit that generally starts during subconscious sleep, but can occur during the day as well.

·         Tenderness is prevalent, particularly in gum tissue where teeth are overcrowded.

·         Embarrassment and low self-esteem often go hand-in-hand with patients that require teeth straightening. Most people don’t give a second thought about eating, speaking and smiling in public, but if you are ashamed of your teeth it is on your mind constantly.

The shortcomings of crooked teeth are evident, but orthodontic treatment can resolve all issues including an over bite, under bite or cross bite. The length of treatment time will vary based on the severity of malocclusion.

Extracting one or a few teeth may be recommended to achieve the optimum result. Once healed, braces can be placed in a couple of appointments. X-rays, photographs, and dental impressions will be taken as diagnostic tools. If spacers are needed to facilitate placing the braces, an additional appointment may be required.

Once the braces are in place, periodic visits to the orthodontist are required to make needed adjustments to keep the teeth straightening process on track. Missed appointments can result in treatment delays.

The finished result will have been worth every minute. Brushing and flossing will be easier; straight teeth that are aligned will ease the need for grinding; and a brilliant smile will be your daily reward.

Importance of Treating Malocclusions

Any physical abnormality that can affect your overall health should be treated … deficient eye sight calls for wearing glasses; a broken bone is set and placed in a cast; a hearing aid is used when hearing loss occurs … all of these things and more can impact quality of life if not addressed. The same thing applies to dental issues, and when treating a malocclusion, braces are usually at the top of the list to correct it.

A malocclusion occurs when the top teeth do not align correctly to the bottom teeth. There are multiple reasons this happens:

·         Lack of jaw space to accommodate all permanent teeth

·         Tooth loss that results in remaining teeth drifting toward open spaces

·         Genetic abnormalities

·         Injury

·         Extrinsic issues such as thumb sucking

Whatever the root cause, a malocclusion can result in a cross bite, over bite or under bite. Left untreated, the following can occur:

·         Dental decay – when teeth do not align properly, there are areas that may be difficult to reach with a tooth brush and dental floss. Bacteria and plaque build-up can lead to decay, gum disease and even tooth loss.

·         Grinding and clenching – the teeth naturally want to align properly, and when they don’t we can subconsciously (usually during sleep) grind the teeth and clench the jaw trying to find a way for the teeth to meet. Premature enamel erosion, uneven teeth, broken teeth, TMJ, and discomfort in neck, head and jaw are all potential side effects of grinding and clenching.

·         Lack of self-esteem – Uneven or crooked teeth discourage eating, speaking and smiling in public.

A consultation with an orthodontist can explain what is needed to correct your dental malocclusion. If overcrowding is an issue, the extraction of one or more teeth may be recommended before embarking on corrective action.  A healing period is generally needed before starting the straightening process.

Treatment usually involves the placement of braces that will steadily shift teeth to their correct position. Braces are adjusted every few weeks to keep teeth moving. Once the bite has been remedied, a retainer will be worn to help the teeth develop a memory of where they rightly belong.

Caring for your new, straight teeth, including daily hygiene and dental check-ups, will allow for excellent dental health and years of eating and smiling enjoyment.

Contact our team at Newman Orthodontics today to learn more about your treatment options. Call 516-626-2060 to schedule your professional consultation today.