There are many factors that play a role in the position of
your teeth. If you are dealing with overcrowded, crooked or misaligned teeth,
the solution may be a visit to our office to discuss how orthodontics can work for you.
When born, genetics determine your jaw bone and the shape
your pallet will take as you grow. In extreme cases these are internal factors
that can be surgically altered, if needed. But the majority of patients will be able to resolve any problems resulting from lack of
jaw space or small pallet through orthodontics.
If permanent teeth grow that are too large for the jaw to
accommodate, this creates overcrowding usually resulting in an over bite or
cross bite. There isn’t anything to be done to control the size of permanent
teeth, but if overcrowding is the problem, extracting one or a couple of teeth
will allow the remaining teeth to shift back to a better position usually with
the help of braces.
Many youngsters rely on sucking their thumb or fingers as a
source of comfort. Unfortunately, this can develop into a habit that impacts
how permanent teeth develop. The constant pressure placed on the upper pallet
of teeth through thumb sucking can force the teeth to grow in at a crooked
angle.
Teeth grinding or jaw clenching are usually the result of
teeth that are not aligned correctly. Unfortunately the grinding just
exacerbates the problem by adding the discomfort of ache in the jaw, neck,
head, ear or teeth. Wear and tear from teeth grinding can compound misalignment
resulting in broken teeth.
Since many of the traits that dictate how our teeth will
develop are inherited, this is a watch and wait situation. However, as a child
grows those biannual visits to the dentist become very important. You can
visualize an aesthetic problem developing, but your dentist can detect any
problems that can develop from improper alignment.
Teeth that overlap or come in crooked create an ideal
location for plaque build-up. These areas become difficult to reach with a
toothbrush trapping food, allowing plaque to form, which ultimately leads to
tooth decay or gum disease.
Orthodontics can resolve many issues while offering the
patient a beautiful smile that will boost self-confidence for a lifetime. To
learn about your orthodontic options, contact the office of Dr. Seth Newman,
serving Long Island and the surrounding areas,
to schedule your professional consultation.
