Bogota Dental Center
85 East Main Street
Bogota, NJ 07603
888-505-1145

Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment can be all the difference between an average smile and a fantastic smile. Cosmetic dentistry is becoming more and more popular. There are a number of reasons you may require orthodontic treatment. Your dentist may recommend certain treatment options to help transform your smile into a brighter, more “perfect” one.

Health Issues

Very few people have naturally straight teeth. Malocclusion is the word used to describe the misalignment of teeth. Dentists and orthodontists must be able to identify the different types of misalignment before beginning orthodontic treatment. Varying degrees of crowding or spacing can cause pain and a number of other health issues. Many people complain about their appearance and have a low self esteem due to the shape or alignment of their teeth. Orthodontists can come up with orthodontic treatment solutions for their patients after defining the type of malocclusion they are suffering.

Having crooked teeth affects more than your appearance. Misaligned teeth and an incorrect mouth bite can have many harmful effects on the mouth, teeth, gums and jaw. Patients suffering any of the following symptoms should see their dentist about orthodontic treatment.

• Jaw or TMJ pain
• Difficulty biting, chewing and eating
• Speech impediments (slurs or lisps)
• Grinding or clenching of the teeth
• Gum disease and tooth decay caused by difficulty brushing or flossing
• Sleep apnea caused by mouth breathing and snoring

Crowding

Crowding is a condition that causes teeth to overlap, rotate and grow in the incorrect position. Crowding can be caused by having a dental arch that is too small to support the number of teeth growing in. It can also be caused by retaining baby teeth longer than normal. Teeth become crooked. Crooked teeth are hard to brush, floss and initiate proper care. Gingivitis and tooth decay may result from over crowded teeth. Crooked teeth can be straightened with orthodontic treatment.

Spacing

Spacing of the teeth is directly opposite of crowding. Spacing may be present due to small tooth size, or wider jaw size. Spacing occurs when teeth do not sit next to each other correctly. An obvious form of spacing is known as diastima. Diastima is spacing between the upper two front teeth. Additional spacing can cause uneven wear and tear on the teeth. There may be difficulty chewing and eating. Patients undergo orthodontic treatment to close extra space between their teeth.

There are many treatment options for malocclusion. Healthy teeth and gums are important to your overall health. Treating crowded or spaced out teeth can improve your appearance and give you a healthier smile. Patients experiencing pain or suffering caused by malocclusion should talk to their dentist about the orthodontic treatment options available to them.