5 Orthodontic Problems Prevalent in Adults

The primary objective of orthodontics is to address issues with jaw and teeth misalignments. Such problems can trigger oral health complications down the line. Malocclusions can cause tooth fractures, gum disease, and difficulties chewing food. In this article, we outline some of the common orthodontics issues for adults.

1. An Overbite and Under Bite

An overbite refers to a condition where the adult front teeth protrude over the lower teeth. An overbite is a concern for orthodontic care specialists, as it hinders the function of the front teeth. Eventually, an overbite will wear down the molars and may change the shape of your face.

An underbite is the reverse of an overbite, where the lower teeth cover the upper teeth. The condition shifts the jaw awkwardly forward. As such, patients will often find it challenging to chew or speak. It may also cause jaw pain and discomfort.

2. Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Teeth grinding refers to repetitive rubbing of teeth. Both adults and children may have the habit of grinding their teeth that they sometimes do unconsciously. It can inhibit chewing and cause discomfort around the jaw muscles.

Grinding and clenching the teeth can have far-reaching implications for your oral health. It can restrict the motion of the jaw joint and muscle. In severe cases, it can trigger TMJ (temporal mandibular joint) disorder. TMJ may require specialized orthodontic care treatment.

3. Missing Teeth and Crowding

According to statistics from the CDC, a quarter of adults between 20 and 44 years old have untreated tooth decay. Missing teeth can lead to crowding along the dental arch. That means teeth will grow abnormally, making them susceptible to gum disease and other oral conditions.

When your teeth are crowded, it requires more effort to bite or chew. The enamel will disintegrate, raising the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Therefore, you must observe your orthodontics care appointments even if you don’t have an oral health condition.

4. Too Much Unnecessary Spacing

If there is too much spacing between the teeth, the patient may also experience a wide range of problems. The additional space is usually a result of a considerably large jaw or small teeth.

Gaps create pockets for food debris to hide and support bacteria growth. It can increase the risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and bad breath.

5. Tooth Eruption and Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Your wisdom teeth will not fully emerge if there is a problem with spacing or alignment. The condition is prevalent among young adults between 17 and 30. It is at this stage that the wisdom tooth erupts.

The emerging wisdom tooth typically does not have enough force to push the surrounding teeth in their way. So, they erupt partially or not at all. The tooth can still encourage bacteria growth and inflammation.

As we age, physiological changes make us more vulnerable to oral health complications. Orthodontic care may be more extensive when we are older because our teeth and gums are less responsive to treatment. It is always advisable to go for checkups during early adulthood to prevent complications in the future. If you are looking for the best orthodontic specialists for braces or Invisalign aligners in Hanover, PA or Baltimore, MD, contact David Ross Orthodontics for a free orthodontic consultation today.