Many people seek out orthodontic treatment to receive a straight smile they’re proud to show off. But beyond traditional cosmetic reasons, braces can also correct certain oral issues and benefit your long-term health.
Common Reasons for Braces
Consider scheduling an appointment with your orthodontist if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
1. Misaligned Jaw
In a perfect world, your top teeth would come down evenly and rest on top of your bottom teeth. However, in most cases, people experience what is known as malocclusion — the misalignment of their teeth. Malocclusion can lead to other oral health issues, like overbites and underbites.
- Overbite. Overbites, also recognized as closed or deep bites, are often referred to as “buck teeth” and occur when your upper teeth extend far beyond your bottom teeth. There are many causes of overbites, but the most common one is the shape or size of your jaw. If you have a smaller or shorter lower jaw, the upper teeth will appear further forward.
- Underbite. An underbite is identified by lower teeth that extend outward on top of the upper front teeth. Underbites are generally caused by genetics; however, they can also be caused by an injury to the face or jaw.
2. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is categorized as a sleep disorder, but, surprisingly, orthodontic treatment can help. While there are three different types of sleep apnea, the symptoms often overlap. The most common and recognizable signs of sleep apnea are loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, or episodes where you stop breathing.
One of the leading causes of obstructive sleep apnea is misaligned teeth. This is why dental appliances, such as braces and palate expanders can help.
3. Speech Impediments
The development of a lisp or the mispronunciation of certain words could be due to the misalignment of your teeth. Certain sounds are created by the way your tongue hits the back of your teeth, which is why the alignment of your pearly whites is essential.
While braces may not be able to completely eliminate a speech impediment (as speech therapy may also be necessary), they can significantly help. Your orthodontist may also recommend other appliances, like jaw expanders and headgear, to work in conjunction with braces to help you achieve smoother speech.
How Orthodontic Treatment Can Help
Braces help you achieve a healthy bite by bringing your teeth into proper alignment, therefore reducing your risk of certain oral issues, like grinding, tooth decay, jaw pain, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ).
The benefits of an aligned jaw also extend to cosmetic enhancements. A proper alignment tends to correct asymmetrical faces by creating distinct cheekbones and jawlines, as well as a straighter smile. As a result, patients often experience higher levels of self-esteem and confidence.
For first-class treatment and exceptional care, the experts at LVL Orthodontics have the solution that is right for you. Schedule your appointment by calling us today at (469) 455-1355!