Malocclusion, commonly known as a bad bite, and misaligned teeth affect many people but are highly treatable. Ignoring these issues can lead to not only aesthetic concerns but also difficulties with chewing, biting, and speaking. Left untreated, malocclusion may cause various dental and physical complications, including:
Tooth Loss and Decay – Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a progressive condition that can result in tooth decay, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. Crowded teeth can make daily cleaning harder, increasing your risk of decay and soft tissue infections.
TMJ Disorders – Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems arise when the jaw joints are overstrained from misaligned arches. Symptoms often include jaw and neck pain, earaches, and tooth grinding. Orthodontic treatments can help realign the jaw and reduce these issues.
Uneven Tooth Wear – When teeth don’t line up properly, some bear more pressure during chewing. This uneven wear not only affects appearance but can also require restoration with dental prosthetics.
Request an AppointmentHow Teeth are Properly Repositioned
There are several orthodontic methods used to gently move and straighten teeth. These treatments generally fall into two groups: fixed appliances and removable devices.
Fixed Appliances
Traditional braces are the most widely used fixed appliances. They consist of brackets—made from metal or tooth-colored ceramic—that are attached to each tooth and connected with an archwire. Small elastic bands may also be added to apply additional pressure where needed.
At regular adjustment visits, your orthodontist will carefully tighten the wires and bands to gradually shift your teeth into the correct position. Sometimes, removing one or more teeth is necessary before placing braces, especially when overcrowding limits available space.
Removable Devices
Your orthodontist may recommend various removable devices, depending on your unique dental condition and bite impressions.
Invisalign® – This treatment uses a series of nearly invisible clear plastic trays that gently move your teeth over time. You’ll receive new trays every few weeks to maintain consistent pressure.
Headgear – Headgear is a device attached to a metal framework, often used to address jaw growth problems. Reverse pull headgear corrects slower upper jaw growth, while high pull headgear targets delayed lower jaw development.
Retainers – Usually worn after braces are removed, retainers help maintain your new tooth alignment. They support the jawbone’s reshaping to keep your smile straight long-term.
If you have any questions about teeth realignment, feel free to reach out to your trusted dental professional.
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