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.
· 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.
