Most people associate braces with crooked teeth and an unattractive smile. It is obvious that a person's confidence and self esteem are enhanced from a beautiful smile. However, aesthetics is only one of the many benefits of braces. For example, when teeth are misaligned, food particles get trapped more easily, and a crooked dentition is much more difficult to clean, which can lead to gingivitis and/or periodontitis (gum disease). In more severe cases, mastication is not as efficient and digestive problems can occur. So straight teeth not only gives you a more pleasant smile, it also provides a dentition that functions better.
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A bad bite, also known as malocclusion, is capable
of causing pain in the temporal-mandibular-joint.
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A bad bite, also known as malocclusion, is capable of causing pain in the temporal-mandibular-joint. (also known as TMJ ), located in front of the ear. These individuals have difficulty opening, have facial, head, and ear pain during chewing and often need to take considerable amounts of pain medication to get through their daily activities. Many of these patients have often sought help from several physicians, only to find out that their crooked teeth and malocclusion are the source of their pain.
Orthodontic treatment is no longer restricted to children and teenagers. Adults of all ages make up a good percentage of today's orthodontic patients. However, like most dental problems, detection and treatment at an early age often provides the quickest resolution. Many young cases are solved by simply removing teeth at a particular age to allow space for the erupting permanent teeth.
Therefore, it is recommended to have your child evaluated early. Your dentist or orthodontist will best know when to start treatment. Remember that wearing braces no longer means wearing unsightly metallic braces. New more aesthetically pleasing braces are now available in different materials with designer colors to keep almost anyone smiling. When the treatment is terminated, a retainer will be required to keep the teeth from drifting.
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In more severe cases, mastication is not as
efficient and digestive
problems can occur.
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Should you think that you or your child may be in need of orthodontic treatment, please discuss this with your dentist. A referral to an orthodontist may be in order. Remember that a healthy smile is always in style.
