Common Dental Issues that Require Braces to Fix

There are a number of reasons a person could get braces and oftentimes, braces are used for aesthetic reasons. For the most part, however, braces are needed to fix orthodontic issues. According to the National Library of Medicine, the second most common reason to get braces is to fix an overbite. Below are some other common reasons orthodontic specialists recommend braces for their patients.

Crowded or Gapped Teeth

Crowded teeth are difficult to brush and floss properly, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and the formation of cavities and too much gapping can trap bacteria. The bacteria will break down the enamel of the tooth, which can lead to problems for the tooth’s health. Luckily, these are problems we can solve. They can be fixed by any alignment-corrective product, like braces or Invisalign.

Overbite or Underbite

Having an overbite can cause problems over time. One common problem is the wearing-down of teeth as they collide in a strange way. The biting of the lower arch into the roof of the mouth is another problem, which can wear down the skin and cause pain. An underbite is an opposite problem, where the upper teeth are tucked behind the lower teeth. Over time this can wear down the teeth and cause extreme jaw issues for the person with this orthodontic problem.

Crossbite

If your teeth are misaligned when you bite down, where some upper teeth are tucked behind the lower teeth and some aren’t, this is called a crossbite. This is certain to cause problems with your jaw, and over time you may find issues working your jaw properly. An issue this serious may require braces to fix depending on its severity. It’s important you talk to your orthodontist to figure out the correct course of action.

Open Bite

When a person closes their mouth and their back teeth are clenched while their front teeth do not touch together, this is an open bite. It is common to hear speech impediments with this issue, as well as issues chewing food properly. Orthodontic treatments are the most common fix for this issue. If this is something you suffer from, be sure to talk to an orthodontist about your options.

For more information about orthodontic practices, give TruSmile Orthodontics a call today. With our many years of experience, we are ready to give you the smile you are looking for.