Misaligned teeth are a common issue many people struggle with. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, Hippocrates wrote about having issues with teeth in 400 BCE. Substantial misalignments can cause problems with your breathing, the way you speak and chew, and your overall psychological well-being.
If you have this issue, don’t stress too much! Misaligned jaws and teeth can get treated with fixed or removable braces. Learn more about misaligned teeth, the causes, symptoms, treatment, and more below. Don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule an orthodontic exam to discuss your case and treatment options.
The Causes
Misaligned teeth and jaws start because of how your teeth or jawbones end up positioned. Like with many things, genetics will play a significant role. It can also happen if your baby teeth fall out sooner than expected, bone disease, or an injury.
Who’s At Risk?
What are the risk factors? While it’s normal for babies to suck their thumb or use a pacifier, if they don’t stop this habit by the time they’re three years old, it can increase the odds of misaligned jawbones or crooked teeth. Children who are mouth breathers are also at high risk since they have enlarged adenoids, which is why they struggle to breathe their noses.
Getting Treatment
The best way to know if you have misaligned teeth or jaws is through orthodontist exams. Your doctor will examine your mouth to determine if your jaws or teeth can (or need to) get treated. If so, you’ll typically get referred to an orthodontist. Through orthodontic exams, your child’s teeth and mouth will get examined. The orthodontist will also get a model of their teeth to fully see what’s going on and create a treatment plan.
The Treatment
After your orthodontic exams, a treatment plan using removable or fixed braces is created. This plan varies depending on the severity of your teeth and jaws. The goal is to correct the position of your teeth and align the upper and lower jaw. Treatment is done between 12 and 16 because your jawbones are still growing as you lose your baby teeth. Braces can be worn between three and four years, with a retainer for longer.
Dealing with misaligned teeth and jaws is not always easy, but there are advanced treatment options available. Here at David Ross Orthodontics, our goal is to give you the highest quality orthodontic experience. Give us a call today for more information.
