They say that a smile is like a curve on a person’s face that sets everything straight. Everyone dreams of having that perfect, pearly white smile that complements the features of their face and instantly brings joy not only to oneself, but to others as well. Essentially, having proper oral health is the key to achieving that killer smile and with it is a person’s overall well-being simultaneously.
Aside from your teeth’s color or shade that people immediately notice, the teeth’s alignment is crucial as well; however, not everyone is blessed with a well-aligned set of teeth, as malocclusion or teeth misalignment has become a common problem experienced by many, not to mention that this dental condition is typically inherited.
Causes
Aside from it being hereditary, there are other causes of malocclusion that can be linked to bad habits formed during a person’s younger years like prolonged use of baby bottles, thumb sucking, and even injuries that resulted to jaw misalignment. Having crowded teeth and deficiencies in a person’s bite (e.g. crossbite, overbite, underbite) are among the causes behind the development of malocclusion as well.
Effects
Failure to address these concerns may result to development of various dental problems (e.g. tooth decay). Since the teeth are the tools used for eating, misalignments in them pose difficulties in chewing and with speaking. A person may also suffer from pain, because if the upper teeth (which prevent the cheeks and lips from being bitten) and the lower teeth (which are supposed to protect the tongue) are crooked, they won’t be able to properly do their jobs.
Treatments
Treatments for malocclusion vary depending on the severity of the misalignment and the patient’s dental condition. Needless to say, having effective Atlanta cosmetic dentistry procedures done are the way to go. Braces are the popular option for adjusting the position of the teeth, but there is another kind of teeth aligners called Invisalign or clear braces that improve on the disadvantages of traditional braces.
Both devices straighten the teeth and address the problems included in malocclusion like spacing, overbite, underbite, and crowding; however, since braces bring with them a number of discomforts, not to mention that they are too noticeable, Invisalign enables people to enjoy whatever food they want, as they can be removed anytime, and makes brushing and flossing easier too.
Before deciding on which teeth straightening solution or device to choose, it is advisable to consult with a reliable Atlanta cosmetic dentistry provider like Buckhead Esthetic Dentistry, as they will examine your teeth’s condition prior to recommending and administering treatments needed for your dental concerns.