Few common orthodontic conditions and their treatments

Orthodontic dentistry has evolved heavily in the present times. As such there is no way to deny that treatments like aligners and braces are capable to transform both the functionality and the appearance of the teeth. As a result, patients can confidently show off their smile. How different types of malocclusions and improper position of the teeth – like over bite, under bite, gapped teeth or diastema, over jet and other such conditions undergo a thorough transformation after undergoing orthodontic treatments using braces or aligners? 

Let us try exploring the answers to this question in the paragraphs below.

The condition of Diastema – how gaps between the teeth appear after undergoing the appropriate orthodontic treatment 

In this section let us only outline the effect of wearing braces or aligners although we will also look into how functionality and appearance of the teeth undergo change after completion of the treatment.

When there is presence of paces or gaps between the teeth the condition is called diastema. In alternative words you can say in diastema the adjacent teeth have no contact between them. This is a typical condition in orthodontics and can be caused by any of the two factors – genetics or acquired habits.

What if this condition is left ignored and untreated?

If this typical dental health condition is left untreated in course of time it may invite other issues related to one’s oral health which may include imbalance in the jaw, force exerted on the teeth which in turn leads to wearing down of the tooth enamel, gum problems and several other issues related to malocclusion.

In correcting diastema, the treatment involves applying light but calculated pressure on the teeth as a result of which they gradually come closer and in contact with one another. Finally, the teeth get aligned side by side

The condition of crowded teeth – how the teeth are brought into correct position and alignment using braces or aligners

Teeth crowding or dental crowding is the condition in which teeth overlap one another as there is insufficient space inside the mouth to properly accommodate all of those. The degree of teeth crowding may range from mild to severe and there are several reasons that lead to this problem. Some of the factors behind crowding of the teeth are as following –

·         The jaw of an individual is too small to properly accommodate all the teeth together

·         The teeth are disproportionately larger than the jaw space

·         There could be missing or lost teeth, as a result of which the remaining teeth shift into the empty position

Overcrowding of the teeth is not just an aesthetic problem but can also have a negative impact in one’s oral health and wellbeing, explain qualified dental professionals in London who deal with orthodontic braces over the years. Therefore, it is utmost crucial to correct this problem and the earlier it is corrected the better. When the problem of teeth crowding is left ignored and untreated, it paves the way for various other dental issues including gum disease, tooth decay accumulation of harmful tartar and plaque build-ups. Crowding makes proper cleaning of the teeth very difficult and so people who suffer from this are more prone to develop gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth decay, early loss of teeth and the underlying bone structures that support the teeth and even difficulties in their normal speech.

Considering all these facts and possibilities, dentists recommend orthodontic treatments to these patients to realign their teeth correctly. Orthodontic appliances including braces and aligners exert light pressure on your teeth to facilitate their movement gently into correct positions in your mouth. It is relevant to mention that the problem of teeth crowding both before and after braces or invisible aligners usually appear to be dramatically different and this difference is what the right orthodontic treatment can bring in.    

The condition of open bite – both before and after bringing the teeth into correct alignment using braces or invisible aligners

An open bite is a typical version of orthodontic malocclusion or misalignment of the teeth. in this condition when the mouth is closed the teeth in the upper and the lower arches do not meet. Thus, a gap, which is visible enough, remains between the teeth. The problem of open bite may occur at the front of the mouth and is called an anterior open bite. It may also occur at the back of the mouth and is called a posterior open bite explain trained and experienced dental professionals who deal with smile orthodontics in London. This orthodontic issue may lead to complications like difficulties in chewing, speaking and even breathing. Moreover, there can be persistent pain in the area of the jaw. The problem also makes some people develop a low esteem about their appearance.

The problem of open bite is often linked to genetics although in many cases developmental issues are also found to play their role. The problem may also develop as a result of certain acquired habits practiced over a period of time, like breathing through the mouth, thrusting the tongue or sucking on the thumb, any other finger or a pacifier.

In cases involving severe open bite dentists usually have no other alternative but to recommend surgery. Although in many cases orthodontic treatment proves effective in fixing the problem. Exerting pressure on the teeth often works in shifting the teeth into correct positions to fix the problem of open bite.

The condition of overbite – both before and after bringing the teeth into correct alignment using braces or invisible aligners 

In dental terms the condition of overbite is also called deep bite or vertical overbite. In this condition the teeth in the upper arches cover the teeth in the lower arches either completely or more than usual. How does an overbite differ from that of a normal bite? In normal bite the teeth in the upper arches should cover only a third of the teeth in the lower arches and not more than that explain trained and qualified professionals dealing with dental orthodontic across the years 1A Orthodontics in London. The problem is known to occur because of various factors including disproportionate size of the upper jaw, inappropriate positioning of the teeth in the upper arch. When the problem is because of the size of the jaw then it is abnormal genetics.