Healthy Smiles Start Here: Common Dental Problems Orthodontics Can Fix

Healthy Smiles Start Here: Common Dental Problems Orthodontics Can Fix

Orthodontics is about more than just straightening teeth—it’s about enhancing your overall dental health and giving you a smile you can feel confident about. Whether you’re new to the idea of Westbury orthodontics or considering it for yourself or a family member, understanding the common dental problems it can fix might help you take the next step toward a healthier, more beautiful smile.

Remember, you’re never alone in making this decision; your trusted Westbury orthodontist team at Brush Hollow Orthodontics is always ready to help.

Crooked Teeth
One of the most common reasons people consider braces is to correct crooked teeth. Misaligned teeth can affect your self-esteem and make it challenging to maintain proper oral hygiene. By aligning your teeth correctly, both traditional braces and clear braces can make brushing and flossing easier, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Overcrowding
Sometimes, there simply isn’t enough space in your mouth for all your teeth, leading to overcrowding. This can cause teeth to overlap, twist, or even grow in the wrong places. Orthodontics can create the necessary space, ensuring each tooth has room to align properly. Not only does this improve your smile aesthetically, but it also prevents future dental issues like decay and gum disease caused by hard-to-clean areas.

Gaps Between Teeth
While some people might find gaps between teeth charming, others might feel self-conscious about them. These spaces can also become traps for food and bacteria, leading to cavities and gum problems. Westbury braces can close these gaps, resulting in a more uniform smile and a healthier mouth overall.

Bite Issues
There are several types of bite issues that orthodontics can address:

  • Overbite: Your upper teeth significantly overlap your lower teeth, causing excessive wear on your teeth and jaw pain.
  • Underbite: Your lower teeth extend past your upper teeth, interfering with proper chewing and speaking.
  • Crossbite: Your upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth rather than outside, causing tooth wear, gum disease, and bone loss.
  • Open bite: Your upper and lower teeth don’t touch when your mouth is closed, affecting your ability to chew and speak properly and leading to tongue thrusting or speech issues.

Orthodontic treatments like braces and clear aligners can correct these bite issues, improving your bite function and overall oral health.

Jaw Alignment
Misaligned jaws can cause a host of problems, from difficulty chewing to chronic pain in your jaw joints, known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Orthodontics can help align your jaws properly, relieving discomfort and improving your bite and facial symmetry.

Speech Difficulties
Sometimes, dental misalignments can affect how you speak. Correcting these alignments can improve your speech clarity and eliminate any speech impediments caused by misaligned teeth or jaws.

Prevention of Future Dental Problems
Addressing these common dental problems early on with Westbury orthodontic treatment can prevent more serious issues down the road. Proper alignment of teeth and jaws can reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Plus, having a well-aligned smile can make you feel more confident and happier, impacting your overall quality of life.

At Brush Hollow Orthodontics, we create a relaxed, welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable discussing your orthodontic needs. Whether you’re looking to fix a minor misalignment or need a comprehensive orthodontic plan, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s embark on this journey to a healthier, more radiant smile together.

About The Author
Dr. Erin Diamantakis

Dr. Erin Diamantakis' interest in orthodontics began at an early age when she became an orthodontic patient. From being an orthodontic assistant, she went on to become a general dentist before completing an orthodontic residency at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, New York. Dr. Erin is currently affiliated with the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, the New York State Dental Society, and the Suffolk County Dental Society.

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