Why See an Orthodontic Specialist?

Everyone deserves a healthy smile to feel proud about. Some people avoid laughing around others, eating with friends, or smiling in photos because of their teeth. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, the team at Braces Omaha can help! Dr. Stevens is a board-certified orthodontist who offers many treatments to kids, teens, and adults. 

Orthodontic treatment is a safe and effective way to straighten teeth, improve oral health, and boost your confidence. Contact our office in Omaha, NE, today to find out how orthodontics can benefit you or your child. There are many treatments available to correct a range of orthodontic issues. During your consultation, we will evaluate your oral health and develop a treatment plan specific to your smile goals. 

Crowding

Dental crowding occurs when there is not enough room in the dental arch for all of the teeth and they become rotated or misaligned. This is called malocclusion and can be treated with orthodontic appliances. Dental crowding can range from one rotated tooth to many teeth being misaligned. 

Crowded teeth can be caused by genetics, losing baby teeth too early, or by permanent teeth not erupting properly. The presence of wisdom teeth can also cause teeth to fight for a space in the dental arch. Not everyone develops wisdom teeth. For those who have them, they should have these large molars extracted as soon as possible to prevent crowding and other oral health issues. 

Gaps

Teeth that are irregularly spaced can create gaps in your smile. While many people close gaps in their smile because of cosmetic reasons, there are health benefits to correcting this issue as well. Teeth with wide spaces in between them can trap food more easily, increasing your risk of cavities and infection. 

Gaps between teeth can be caused by genetics, missing teeth, the presence of extra teeth, or a large lingual frenum. If the band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too large, it can cause a gap in the front teeth. Many people have gaps in their smile and easily correct them with braces or clear aligners. 

Overbite

If your bottom teeth touch the roof of your mouth or disappear completely when you bite down, you may have an overbite. An untreated overbite can cause damage to your oral tissue and your front teeth. An overbite can be corrected at any age with braces or clear aligners. Sometimes, overbites are caused by genetics or by excessive thumb sucking. 

Ideally, an overbite will be recognized and treated early in children because the jaws are still developing, making them easier to be realigned through orthodontics. By fixing this issue, you will bite more easily into food and protect your teeth and tissue from damage. Correcting bite issues promotes healthier oral function and helps prevent more serious alignment issues, such as TMJ disorders or chronic facial pain.

Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower teeth extend farther than the upper teeth. An underbite can make it difficult to speak or eat properly. It can wear down the front teeth, leaving them more prone to chipping or cracking. A mild underbite may be difficult to notice, but a severe underbite will cause the lower jaw to protrude outward. All levels of underbites can be corrected with orthodontics. 

Treating an underbite early can prevent future TMJ pain. Repositioning the lower jaw opens the airway, reducing mouth breathing and helping prevent obstructive sleep apnea. Aligned jaws will promote better facial harmony and improve confidence.

Open Bite

If the top and bottom teeth don’t touch each other when your mouth is closed, you may have an open bite. An open bite can be caused by genetics or bad oral habits, such as thumb sucking, lower lip sucking, or tongue-thrusting. When the teeth do not meet, it can be difficult to bite into food or speak properly. It may also cause pain when biting or chewing. 

By treating an open bite, you can improve your ability to eat and speak as well as improve the aesthetics of your smile. An open bite should ideally be treated as soon as possible during childhood. This promotes healthy eating and speaking throughout development and helps avoid future oral health issues. 

See a Board-Certified Orthodontist in Omaha, NE

Dental crowding, gaps, overbite, underbite, and open bite can all be corrected with orthodontics. Depending on the severity of the issue, braces or Invisalign^® may be the right option for you or your child. Contact Braces Omaha today for a free consultation if you experience these issues and to begin your journey to a healthier, straighter, more confident smile!