We often think about kids getting their teeth straightened. And they do! However, the reasons for straightening teeth do not only apply to kids. Just because your 30 or 40 or 50, doesn’t mean that your crooked teeth have gotten better. Actually, quite the contrary! As we age we may suffer from even more problems due to malocclusion.
Most often we think that one should have braces if they have crooked teeth, but actually we are more concerned with the way the teeth bite together. Crooked teeth can lead to the bite being an issue.
We talk about malocclusion, but what is the definition of malocclusion? Malocclusion is a problem in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together in biting or chewing. The word malocclusion literally means “bad bite.” The condition may also be referred to as an irregular bite, crossbite, or overbite.
What causes the teeth to be in malocclusion?
1. It can be a hereditary issue.
2. It can be caused from thumb sucking, using a baby bottle to long, using a pacifier after the age of three or abnormally shaped teeth.
These are just a few of the reasons that can contribute to malocclusion.
What are some of the side effects of leaving teeth in malocclusion?
1. It can result in jaw pain and chewing issues.
2. It can result in a higher cavity rate due to the teeth being harder to keep clean when they are crooked.
3. Abnormal wear of teeth over time.
These are just a few of the issue that come from malocclusion.
What can be done to resolve these issues and is it worth the time and money?
Depending on the reasons for the malocclusion and the results of the malocclusion will help determine the best course of treatment. They can be as serious as needing jaw surgery to as easy as wearing clear retainer braces for a short time.
Dr. Boe will give you an honest assessment of your current dental health. To make the best recommendations, he may require a special x-ray that gives added information to help with the diagnosis. Dr. Boe is conservative in his approach and offers Invisalign right in his office. If there is a need for a more invasive therapy, Dr. Boe refers to specialists with only the highest standards.
What is the difference between regular braces and Invisalign clear retainers?
Regular braces are the metal brackets that most of us think of when we think of braces. Invisalign clear retainers do not use brackets in the traditional sense at all. They are simply a clear, hard plastic retainer that is made specifically for your needs. They are to be worn all the time (except when you are eating) for 6-24 months. You will get new retainers every few weeks. They can be a wonderful option to regular braces.
Adults don’t typically want to go into full metal braces but many adults are now wearing clear retainers. You probably know someone who is currently wearing this form of braces and you don’t even know because they are so discrete. That is just one of the advantages to wearing clear retainers, but you will also like the fact that it is so much easier to keep your teeth clean with this form of braces over the traditional metal brackets.
Call Lakeside Family Dentistry today for your free consultation to see if you are a good candidate for clear retainer braces.