My Front Teeth Aren't Crooked: Do I Still Need Orthodontic Treatment?
Many patients wonder if orthodontic treatment is needed if their front teeth are not crooked. Orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign® have many benefits and aren't just for correcting aesthetic concerns.
Learn how braces or Invisalign at Premier Dental and Implant Center in Orland Park, IL, can help with issues that impact the function, health, and appearance of your smile.
What Can Braces or Invisalign Address?
Even if your front teeth aren't crooked, there are several other reasons why orthodontic treatment may be beneficial for the health and function of your smile, including patients with:
- Bite Issues — Bite issues, also known as malocclusion, include issues such as an overbite, crossbite, underbite, and open bite. Malocclusion can impact the function of your mouth, cause excessive wear on your teeth, and put stress on the temporomandibular joints (TMJs); this can lead to pain and oral health issues such as damaged teeth, decay, and even tooth loss.
- Crooked Back Teeth — While your front teeth may not be crooked, your back teeth may be, which can make it difficult to brush and floss properly. Improper brushing can lead to oral health issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.
- Gapped Teeth — Gapped teeth can cause speech issues, making it difficult to speak properly.
- Narrow Palate — The palate is the roof of your mouth. When it is too narrow, several issues can develop. Orthodontic treatment can often help address this issue. In more extensive cases, surgical intervention may be needed.
Take a Closer Look at Bite Issues
An improper bite is a major reason why patients may undergo orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners like Invisalign.
- Underbite — An underbite occurs when the bottom teeth protrude past the top teeth.
- Overbite — An overbite is the opposite of an underbite. In this case, the top teeth extend past the bottom teeth more than they should.
- Crossbite — When one or more teeth don't line up properly, this is known as a crossbite.
- Open Bite — You may have an open bite if your back molar touch but there is a gap between the front top and bottom teeth.
Why It's Important to Treat Bite Problems
So why does your bite matter? A misaligned bite is not just an aesthetic concern. Bite issues can also cause pain, excessive wear on the teeth and jaw joints, and difficulty eating and speaking properly. In severe cases, tooth loss can occur, which can cause jawbone deterioration. This is due to the stress of chewing on certain teeth caused by the misalignment. Grinding or clenching can also result from misalignment, which can damage your teeth.
Misalignment can lead to the need for more extensive dental work, such as dental crowns, dental implants, and more. Orthodontic treatments like braces and Invisalign put the jaw in proper alignment, allowing you to chew and speak correctly. By reducing the strain on your jaw, we can eliminate or minimize TMJ disorder symptoms and excessive wear on your teeth.
