Crooked teeth or gaps between your pearly whites not only affect your smile but can also cause oral health issues. The question at the heart of the matter is, “Can braces correct teeth spacing issues completely?” Let’s discuss this topic and unveil the truth behind braces and teeth spacing issues.
What Are Dental Braces?
Braces are distinct dental tools applied under an orthodontic treatment plan. This plan is designed to adjust misplaced teeth and correct dental disorders. Typically, braces come in varying forms: ceramic braces, metal braces, and Invisalign braces, among others.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Braces?
Teeth Realignment
Teeth misalignment, be it due to crooked teeth, overcrowding, or malocclusions like overbite, underbite, or crossbite, can present aesthetic and functional limitations. Dental braces are highly effective in realigning teeth to their correct positions over a period. This treatment not only enhances the appearance of one’s smile but also mitigates issues related to improper bites and speech impairments.
Opting for treatment at a reputable Coquitlam ortho clinic will ensure you receive the best care for your needs.
Closing Gaps Between Teeth
Gaps between teeth, technically referred to as diastema, often cause discontentment with one’s smile aesthetic. Dental braces function to shift the teeth, effectively closing these undesired gaps gradually. The result is a more uniform and streamlined smile, boosting the patient’s confidence. Furthermore, by closing gaps, braces also reduce the risk of food particles lodging between teeth, which, if left unchecked, could lead to gum inflammation or tooth decay.
Decay Prevention
Crowded or overlapping teeth can make maintaining good oral hygiene challenging, as certain hard-to-reach areas may not get cleaned properly, leading to a buildup of plaque. This may further escalate into tooth decay and gum diseases. Dental braces align and straighten teeth, ensuring there are no concealed or hard-to-reach areas while brushing or flossing, thereby making oral hygiene practices more effective and reducing the risk of decay.
Improved Digestion
Uneven or misaligned teeth can result in difficulties while biting and chewing food. This could lead to swallowing larger unchewed pieces, which causes strain on your digestive system. By correcting the alignment of your teeth, braces improve your ability to break down food effectively during the chewing process, contributing to better digestion and overall health.
What Dental Conditions Can Braces Treat?
Overbite
An overbite is a condition where the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively. Besides affecting one’s facial appearance, an untreated overbite can lead to chewing and speech difficulties, increased wear of tooth enamel, and potential injuries or trauma to the protruding front teeth. Braces can move the overly protruded teeth back into the correct position, enhancing aesthetics and functionality.
Underbite
An underbite, the opposite of an overbite, is characterized by the lower teeth extending beyond the upper teeth. This misalignment can cause difficulty in speaking and eating, uneven tooth wear, and chronic jaw or joint pain (TMJ disorder). Orthodontic treatment using braces has shown effective results in the correction of underbites, providing both functional and aesthetic improvements.
Crossbite
Crossbite is a condition where some of the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, which can result in uneven wear, bone loss, and gum disease. It can also cause asymmetrical jaw growth in children if left untreated. Using traditional or Invisalign braces, orthodontic treatment can correct a crossbite over time by gradually aligning the affected teeth.
Open Bite
An open bite refers to a condition where the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap when the mouth is closed. This condition can lead to speech problems, difficulties in biting or chewing food, and even breathing issues. Braces, often combined with other orthodontic appliances, can work effectively in closing an open bite and providing a healthier, more appealing smile.
Can Braces Fully Correct Teeth Spacing Issues?
Yes, braces do have the capability to correct teeth spacing issues fully. Orthodontic intervention with braces, managed under consistent in-office supervision, is one of the most effective teeth spacing treatment options.
In orthodontic treatment, braces are the first phase. The second and final phase is the use of retainers. After braces have done their job, retainers ensure your teeth don’t return to their previous position. Most orthodontists recommend the use of bonded retainers to keep the newly aligned teeth in place.
Invisalign Vs Braces for Teeth Spacing: Which Is Better?
Both Invisalign treatment and traditional braces serve the same purpose of aligning your teeth. You may visit MyORTHODONTIST in Maple Ridge to get advice on which would be better for your condition. One crucial thing to remember is that mail-order aligner companies should be avoided due to a lack of in-person supervision.
Invisalign: An Efficient Alternative to Dental Braces
Invisalign is rapidly becoming popular for those seeking to straighten their teeth without the visibility and discomfort often associated with traditional metal braces. These clear aligners are custom-designed to fit snugly over your teeth, providing a discreet and convenient orthodontic solution.
Moreover, Invisalign braces are removable, allowing easier eating, brushing, and flossing. This innovative orthodontic method successfully aligns teeth, improving aesthetics and overall dental health.
Final Words
Adjusting teeth spacing issues through dental braces isn’t merely a cosmetic decision but one that confers profound effects on one’s overall dental health. Traditional braces and Invisalign offer significant benefits, including enhanced teeth alignment, closing of gaps, decay prevention, and improved digestion capabilities.
The decision to use Invisalign or traditional braces depends on individual needs, and consulting with a trusted dental professional can best inform this choice. As prevention is always better than cure, proper oral hygiene practices and regular dental checkups remain paramount in keeping teeth spacing issues at bay.