The Village Orthodontist works tirelessly to provide children, teens, and adults with the smile they deserve. During the initial stages of orthodontic treatment, Dr. Moles will identify if you have a one of the many types of malocclusions, which are deviations from the normal alignment of the teeth. Not only do braces and Invisalign provide our patients with straight teeth, but they also correct bad bites, which has great oral health and overall health benefits.
How Do Bad Bites Happen?
Unfortunately, many malocclusions are inheritable in the same way that blue eyes and freckled skin are. Problems such as crowded teeth, overbite, and underbite can prevent the teeth from effectively performing a variety of functions. For example, if your alignment is off, chewing can be quite painful, as you may accidentally bite your cheeks, lips, and tongue. A variety of other factors and habits can exacerbate bad bites, such as:
- Prolonged use of bottle feeding or pacifiers in early childhood
- Incorrectly fitted fillings and crowns
- Injuries that cause jaw misalignment
- Periodontal disease
Problems Caused by Malocclusion
Everyone can exhibit the symptoms of malocclusions differently, depending on the type and severity of the disorder. Because the body is an interconnected web of muscles and joints, problems with your alignment can have a big effect on your overall health. Some potential problems that can occur can include:
- Speech problems
- Frequent headaches, from overcrowding and overlapping of the teeth
- Improper chewing, which results in premature wear and tear of the teeth
- Lower self esteem, due to crooked teeth and altered facial appearance
