In this age of medical innovation, almost any physical problem (or generally anything that we do not like about our bodies) can be fixed with a few procedures. Whether you want to remove your wrinkles, regrow hair, or even dramatically alter your facial structure, all of it is now an appointment away.
One such popular procedure nowadays is orthodontic treatment, which focuses on the straightening of the teeth. Specifically, orthodontists in Taylorsville aim to treat malocclusion, which occurs when the teeth are not correctly positioned when the mouth is closed. This, in turn, leads to problems with one’s bite, as well as unaesthetic smiles.
Although most people seek orthodontic treatment primarily to improve their appearance, there are other problems that appliances like braces, retainers, and aligners can help address. Here are some of them:
Problems with eating and chewing
Malocclusion usually results in the upper and lower teeth not being correctly aligned. This can happen in two ways. An overbite refers to the condition wherein the lower teeth are positioned behind the upper teeth, making the upper teeth appear to protrude forward. On the other hand, an underbite occurs when the lower teeth are placed in front of the upper teeth.
This can lead to difficulties in chewing and eating, as the upper and lower teeth do not line up perfectly to be able to chew food properly. This makes everyday life much harder and might even restrict the kinds of food one can eat. Orthodontic treatment is required to properly align the upper and lower teeth.
Vulnerability to tooth injuries
Misalignment can make your teeth vulnerable to chipping and other forms of damage. This is especially true in cases of combat sports, such as boxing or wrestling, where blows to the head and face are quite common. However, damage can also occur during routine accidents such as a slip or a fall. Such an impact can damage teeth that protrude from the mouth. Hence, orthodontic treatment is required to ensure increased protection from damage to the teeth.
Tooth decay and gum disease
If teeth are not correctly positioned, this can result in crowding or spacing. With crowding, individuals with a narrow jaw experience having too little space for all the teeth, causing them to grow incorrectly. On the other hand, spacing occurs when there are spaces or gaps between the teeth.
Crowding and spacing can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. With crowded or spaced teeth, it is much easier for food particles to remain trapped where brushes or floss cannot reach. This makes the teeth more susceptible to cavities and gum disease, which can result in permanent tooth loss. Hence, it is advisable to correct the positioning of the teeth right away.
Orthodontic treatment is readily available in Taylorsville, Utah, and throughout the country. Even if this might involve some short-term hassles, the results of undergoing orthodontic treatment will most be worth it. After all, nobody can put a price on being confident about your teeth, gums, or mouth.