Unfortunately for many of us, having perfectly straight teeth is not something that we’re blessed with. Often, we’re plagued with oral problems of various degrees, easily affecting our health and wellbeing.

Luckily, orthodontic treatment exists to treat these oral problems and perfect one’s smile! These braces are suitable for those of various ages – children, teens and even adults are able to revel in their benefits. If you think it’s high time that you correct your teeth due to oral health or cosmetic reasons, take a look at some of the problems an orthodontic treatment can fix.

1. Overcrowding And Spacing

The overcrowding of teeth or unevenly spaced teeth is two of the most common orthodontic problems. Overcrowding occurs when teeth have to fight for space, resulting in overlapping, crooked teeth. As the direct opposite, spacing is when teeth can’t fill the avail space, causing significant gaps between teeth. The most common one being diastema, where there is a visible space between the two front teeth.

Braces can help to apply slow yet constant pressure on the teeth to push them into a more aligned position. An orthodontist will monitor your progress and even include a few adjustments along the way.

2. Misaligned Jaw

If your teeth are crowded or crooked, you may have experienced discomfort or even pain in your jaw. This is caused by the uneven pressure that’s being distributed across the jaw when you bite. Over time, this may affect your temporal mandibular joint and cause other forms of complications such as facial pain, nerve inflammation and migraines.

By straightening your teeth, the orthodontic treatment will help to correct your jaw and set it in the proper position. A corrected jaw also means a more even and symmetrical facial structure.

3. Overbites And Underbites

Also known as malocclusion issues, overbites and underbites are another common orthodontic problems. Overbite occurs when the top front teeth are positioned far out more than what’s considered normal, resulting in a gap between the two rows of teeth. The opposite of an overbite is an underbite, a condition wherein the bottom front teeth sits out more than usual.

Both malocclusion conditions not only make your chin appear awkward, but it also makes biting and chewing challenging. By applying gentle pressure on both your teeth and jaw, braces can correct these issues. Depending on the severity, your orthodontist may suggest specific braces that are more appropriate to correct your malocclusion.

4. Open Bite

Whilst not regarded as a malocclusion issue, open bites refer to the condition where the two rows of teeth don’t meet when one bites. This results in a noticeable gap, and it may also affect the back teeth.

An open bite usually occurs whenever there is an excessive pacifier use or thumb sucking, and it usually will cease when the child grows their set of adult teeth and stop using the pacifier or sucking their thumb. That said, there are some special cases wherein it remains even to adulthood.

5. Periodontal Problems

When one has a severe case of misaligned teeth, proper brushing and flossing can be inhibited. The inability to clean your teeth properly can lead to gum problems, including gingivitis and gum disease.

By straightening your teeth with a pair of braces, cleaning and brushing your teeth will be far more effective.

6. Unmatched Dental Midlines

An unmatched dental midline refers to a condition where there is an issue with the midsagittal line. If this midsagittal line is off by even a millimetre, it can impact the way your jaw sits and the overall look of your face.

A pair of braces will help to bring your teeth back into alignment, thus correcting your unmatched dental midline. Your bite will, therefore be more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.

If you’re suffering from any of these 6 orthodontic problems, perhaps getting a pair of braces is of your interest. Braces are the ideal choice for those who wish to correct their misalignment problems.

At Luminous Dental, we strive to help you attain the perfect smile. With various types of braces made available, we have a pair that’ll suit both your budget and preferences. Those who wish to opt for a cost-effective pair can go for the metal braces, whereas those who want a more seamless and inconspicuous method can opt for the Invisalign braces. So consult with us today and be one step closer to an even and beautiful smile!