Malocclusion is a common dental problem in the United States. It is estimated that 20% of Americans have deviations from the ideal bite relationship. The problem significantly affects your smile, which is a major part of emotional expression and facial appearance. It can also negatively affect social interactions, psychological well-being, and interpersonal relationships. However, your misaligned teeth can be straightened by an orthodontist.

When Do You See an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is specially trained to treat different types of malocclusion. They correct crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and bite problems using removable devices, such as retainers, braces, and bands.

Orthodontic care seeks to improve your bite, enabling you to chew, eat, and speak properly. If a malocclusion is not treated, it can lead to other dental issues, such as gum disease, tooth decay, and painful chewing.

You should seek immediate orthodontic care if you have any of the following oral problems:

1. An Open Bite

Normally, your upper and lower teeth should make contact when you close your mouth. What if they don't? You could have an open bite. Sometimes, the condition is heredity. However, there are many other causes, such as:

• Unhealthy habits, such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting
• Facial trauma
• Abnormally shaped or missing teeth
• Prolonged bottle-feeding

If you don't seek timely orthodontic care, an open bite can significantly affect biting and chewing. Also, it makes it hard to pronounce some words, leading to speech impediments.

2. Large Gaps Between Teeth

You need to see an orthodontist if you have abnormally large gaps between teeth. The gaps mainly form if your teeth are too small for the jaw bone. Consequently, your teeth get spaced too far apart. If you don't like the way the gaps look, you can have them closed.

Closing the gaps is essential as it helps improve the aesthetic aspect of your smile. Further, it ensures that the gums are always healthy. You should always know that the open spaces expose the gum tissue, increasing the risk of infections, inflammation, and plaque.

3. Crowded Teeth

This dental condition occurs when all your teeth don't fit within the jaw. In other words, there isn't enough jaw space to accommodate erupting teeth. In other cases, you might be having large teeth compared to the available space.

This problem makes it difficult for you to chew or speak. On most occasions, food gets trapped in the overcrowded teeth, leading to decay and gum disease. However, this malocclusion can be corrected by an orthodontist using braces, retainers, and veneers. Sometimes, extra teeth can be extracted.

Conclusion

Unsatisfactory dental aesthetics may negatively affect your social and emotional well-being. If you have any type of malocclusion, you don't have to hide your teeth when smiling anymore. Visit an orthodontic office, such as Reed & Sahlaney Orthodontics, LLP, and have your teeth aligned today.