The bone that supports your lower teeth happens to be the thinnest in the skull, making these teeth more likely to shift and become crowded or cooked. But are crowded teeth a problem, and how do they impact your smile?

Improper Tooth Alignment

When the teeth don’t align properly, they can cause issues with your bite. An improper bite is also referred to as a malocclusion.

While it may not seem like a big deal if your teeth don’t align properly, the truth is that having a bad bite has more of an impact than you think. Improper alignment can make it harder for you to bite and chew, which can cause issues when eating and even speaking properly [1]. Some patients may experience pain or discomfort as the result of improper alignment.

Fortunately, orthodontics provides a simple fix for most people who have crowded teeth so they can eat and speak with comfort.

Trouble with Oral Hygiene

Crowded teeth are typically more difficult to clean as a result of their position in the mouth. People who have crowded teeth are at higher risk to get tooth decay and gum disease, as plaque can hide in places that are impossible to reach at home with a toothbrush and floss [2]. Even teeth that are in their correct positions can leave room for plaque to hide, which is why regular professional cleanings with your dentist are necessary.

By correcting crowded teeth, you make it easier to keep on top of your oral care at home and reduce your risk for getting cavities and gum disease!

Issues with Self-Confidence

People who have crowded teeth are often self-conscious of their smiles whether or not people can see the affected teeth. For some people, they feel that crowded teeth can impact their entire appearance and impact their self-confidence.

Your orthodontist can develop an effective treatment plan to correct your teeth crowding for a more beautiful, functional smile. Orthodontic treatment can often improve patients’ confidence in their smiles, and allows them to not only interact more confidently with others, but to also feel good about how others perceive them [3].

Get a Consultation with Your Orthodontist!

If you have crowded or crooked teeth that have impacted your bite, your ability to care for your smile, or your self-confidence, it’s time to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. You can ask your dentist for a referral, or look for an orthodontist in your area who has experience correcting crowded teeth.

You’re never too old to have the smile you deserve. Don’t live with the consequences of crowded teeth—you can have a healthier, more attractive smile with the right treatment from your professional orthodontist!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/teens/concerns
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/oral-health/are-you-too-old-for-braces
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1118280/

The post What is the Impact of Crowded teeth? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Misaligned teeth don’t just affect the appearance of your smile; they can have actual
consequences on your health that may only get worse if not corrected. What damage can
misaligned teeth cause?

Erosion of Gum Tissue

Our gums protect our teeth and keep them strong in our jaws. With nearly half of American
adults having some form of gum disease, keeping your gum tissue as healthy as possible is
essential to protecting your teeth.

Misaligned teeth play a role in gum health. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) note that crooked teeth can be a risk factor for gum disease, which includes
gum recession [1].

When the teeth don’t align properly, bite force can be unevenly distributed across the teeth
which can lead to excessive stress placed on the gums and alveolar bone, leading to
inflammation and possibly gum recession.

Trouble Chewing Food

Misaligned teeth can also lead to trouble chewing food. With uneven bite pressure, crooked
teeth may not be able to break down food as well as straight teeth before it enters the
stomach, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues.

The American Dental Association acknowledges that crooked teeth may interfere with eating
[2]. This can lead to bloating, gas, cramping, and can even contribute to the development of
stomach ulcers.

Difficulty Cleaning

Crooked teeth are notoriously difficult to clean [3]. When teeth overlap or are crowded
together, it can feel impossible to properly brush and floss your mouth. Misaligned teeth are
often subject to an increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay as a result.

If you have misaligned teeth, keeping up with your regular dental appointments is going to be
essential to preventing cavities and periodontal disease which could disrupt your smile.

Headaches

People who suffer from frequent headaches or migraines may have their teeth to blame. When
the teeth don’t come together properly, the jaw may try to compensate for the misaligned bite
which can cause stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

The TMJ can be responsible for many issues, including earaches or frequent ear infections,
headaches, and chronic jaw or facial pain. Even neck pain and upper back pain have been linked
to TMJ. Consider an exam with your dentist if you suffer from headaches but haven’t had your
jaw evaluated as the culprit!

Tooth Sensitivity

Uneven wear on crooked teeth can cause tooth sensitivity. When certain teeth are worn down
more than the others, this can lead to exposed dentin, the softer tissue beneath tooth enamel.
Once dentin is exposed, temperature can travel to the nerves at the center of your tooth,
leading to painful tooth sensitivity that can make eating or drinking hot or cold foods
unpleasant at best and excruciating at worst.

Misaligned teeth might not be as easy to spot as you think. For many people, straight teeth
could still mean a misaligned bite. Getting a comprehensive exam with your professional
dentist can tell you if your teeth are misaligned and could be causing dental health problems
you’re not yet aware of!

Sources:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/index.htm
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/teens/concerns
3. https://www.health.harvard.edu/oral-health/are-you-too-old-for-braces

The post Misaligned Teeth Could Be Causing More Damage Than You Think appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What are the benefits of needing orthodontic headgear? Here’s how these appliances can help
many patients have their best smile!

Exert Additional Force

Orthodontic headgear provides additional force needed to move your teeth into their correct
positions. In many cases, the back molars will provide the proper support to move these teeth,
but in others, they won’t suffice.

Headgear relies on a strap that goes behind the neck or head that helps apply extra pressure
and move the teeth faster and into more accurate positions. In some cases, headgear can also
influence facial structure, making it important in cases where a severe overbite or underbite are
affecting facial development in children.

Accelerate Orthodontics

Orthodontic headgear does not need to be worn all day every day. In many cases, it’s rare that
your orthodontist would recommend it to be worn for more than 12-14 hours a day. Wearing
headgear for a limited amount of time is still effective for moving the teeth.

One of the major benefits of headgear is that it’s not only ideal for certain orthodontic cases, it
can also speed up treatment time in cases that might otherwise be complex and time-
consuming to treat. The additional force helps to move teeth in a shorter period of time so
treatment time may be faster!

Necessary for Some Cases

Orthodontists only use headgear when it’s necessary. This might be for cases where the front
teeth need to be moved forward instead of back, or closing a large gap that would otherwise
cause the back teeth to move forward with traditional orthodontic treatment.

Headgear is often necessary in cases where severe overbites or underbites are impeding the smile. Your orthodontist might also suggest headgear for your child in cases where the jaw is not developing correctly since it can help facilitate proper facial development.

Orthodontic headgear won’t be necessary for all cases of orthodontics, but both children and
adults can benefit from headgear in certain cases. If you need headgear, don’t stress. You won’t
need to wear it all day, just when you’re at home or asleep, and your treatment will be over
before you know it. Your orthodontist will let you know if you need to consider headgear to
perfect your smile or your child’s smile!

The post What Are the Benefits of Orthodontic Headgear? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Here are your options for getting that straight smile incognito!

Damon Braces

Damon braces utilize clear brackets, but there’s more to these braces that sets them apart. They’re self-ligating, which means they move with your teeth as they adjust due to memory wire and sliding brackets. They slowly align your teeth while using less force than regular braces.

Damon braces are an attractive option for adults because of their clear brackets, faster treatment time, and less maintenance. Perfect for busy adults! You have the option of using clear wire instead of metal wire to make your treatment even more invisible to others.

Lingual braces

Have you heard of lingual braces? These braces come with twist—they’re on the other side of your teeth. They’re placed on the inner side of your tooth to move your teeth into position without ever being seen from the outside. They work just like traditional braces to move your teeth.

Lingual braces will need to be custom made for your smile and your teeth will need to be big enough to accommodate the brackets. Your orthodontist can evaluate your candidacy for lingual braces based on your unique smile.

Invisalign

Invisalign is perhaps the option for invisible braces that most people have heard of. Invisalign will align your teeth but without metal brackets or wires. Instead, your orthodontist will use a set of clear trays that are custom-fitted for your smile. You’ll need to wear these trays over 20 hours a day but can take them out when you eat, an advantage braces can’t offer.

Invisalign is perfect for those who want a straight smile but want their treatment to be totally invisible to others. You can talk with your orthodontist about whether or not Invisalign would work for your smile.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are just like regular braces except they use clear brackets that allow their appearance to be minimized. Patients usually have the option of using a tooth-colored wire as well, which will help the braces blend in with your teeth even more.

Ceramic braces work as well as traditional braces to straighten teeth, so you don’t have to worry about correcting complex issues that Invisalign might not fix or not being able to qualify for lingual braces. Ask your orthodontist about ceramic braces for your treatment!

When it comes to getting a straight smile, you don’t have to get braces that everyone will see. There are options for skipping the metal braces yet still getting the smile of your dreams. Don’t wait to get straight teeth—schedule an appointment with your local orthodontist to start your journey to a better smile today!

The post What Are Less Visible Orthodontic Treatment Options for Adults? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Yogurt and Smoothies

At first it’ll probably be soothing to have something cool on your mouth, so yogurt and smoothies are a great choice! You can opt for regular yogurt or coconut or almond milk yogurt if you’re dairy-free—either option works for breakfast or a snack while you’re adjusting to your braces. You can also make smoothies with frozen fruit and leafy greens in there to get some vegetables in during those first few days. Smoothies are easy to drink and feel soothing on your smile!

Steamed Vegetables

Once you’re feeling like you can chew a little more, steam some vegetables! Steaming vegetables makes them soft and much easier to eat—just be sure you steam them long enough that they’re almost mushy for your easy consumption. Great vegetables to steam in those first few days include cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, and carrots.

Fruits That Are Soft

Some firm fruits like apples and pears should be avoided during the adjustment period with your new braces. However, other fruits like bananas make a fantastic option and tend to be easy to consume. You may also choose to eat kiwi, peaches, oranges, or mango. Be sure the fruits are ripened, as unripe fruits can be hard and not contain as many nutrients as their ripened counterparts!

Breads

While some breads and bread products can be hard (think baguettes and croutons), softer breads can be an excellent choice while adjusting to your new braces. Breakfast bread items like pancakes and muffins can be easy to eat and enjoy, while soft flour tortillas are easier to eat than hard ones. You’ll likely want to avoid toast and sandwiches with meats such as beef that are difficult to chew on there—but a tuna fish sandwich should be easy enough to enjoy!

Eggs

Fried or even hard-boiled eggs can be easy to eat with your new braces. Eggs make a great snack or breakfast option and can provide protein and vitamins and minerals to help your mouth adjust. You could even try egg salad on soft bread or scrambled eggs—there are many possibilities for this food option!

Soups

Summer and winter soups are extremely easy to eat and should contain mostly vegetables, as tough meats should be avoided those first few days with braces. Vegetable soup, vegetarian chili, chicken noodle soup, and tomato soup are all excellent options in those first days.

Adjusting to your new braces will take time, but you can adjust easily by following your orthodontist’s instructions for caring for your braces and eating softer foods. Take a trip to the grocery store either before or after you get your new braces to stock up on these items. You’ll be glad you did!

The post The Best Foods to Eat with Your Brand-New Braces appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Although every child is different in regards to losing baby teeth and getting their adult teeth in, the American Association of Orthodontists advises that your child be seen by an orthodontist around age 7. Although not every child will need braces this early (and some may not need braces at all), getting your child evaluated around this age allows your orthodontist to spot any big problems before your child’s mouth has time to mature and avoid more extensive treatment later.

Am I Too Old for Braces?

Good news—you’re never too old for braces! Although people typically have braces as children or teens, more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment that they didn’t or couldn’t have as a child. As long as your mouth is healthy, orthodontic treatment is an option for you regardless of your age. It’s never too late to seek a consultation!

Should I Consider Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear aligner that can be removed and is custom-fit to your smile. You’ll need to talk with your orthodontist about whether or not you’re a candidate for Invisalign. Invisalign could be a good choice for you if you’re an adult who’s worried about your appearance with braces or not being able to eat some of your favorite foods. However, if you have complicated dental issues and want your orthodontic treatment to be as short as possible, traditional braces may be the better option!

Do Braces Hurt?

Like all new things, braces take some time to get used to. Your teeth may feel sore or mildly uncomfortable for a few days after you first get your braces or after your adjustments. Braces have come a long way since their first introduction in the 18 th century, and technology allows your orthodontist to keep your treatment as comfortable as possible. Be patient with your braces and ask your orthodontist what you can do to minimize any discomfort you’re feeling.

How Long Will My Child Need to Have Braces?

Every child is different! Your child may only need braces for a few months, others for a few years. It all depends on the severity of the problems and the earlier you seek treatment, the better!

What Problems Do Braces Correct?

Braces can correct a number of problems, including straightening crooked teeth, correcting bite problems, and fixing jaw issues. All of these could lead to bigger oral health problems later on—crooked teeth lead to tight spaces where bacteria and plaque form, leading to decay; bite problems and jaw problems lead to improper wearing of teeth and could even lead to TMJ.

Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist if you’re considering treatment for yourself or for your child. Your orthodontist can answer any more questions you may have and talk with you about your options for treatment, if needed!

The post Orthodontic Treatment: Your Most Frequently Asked Questions appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Custom Bracket

WildSmiles offers an array of unique brackets for your child to choose from! The custom bracket is designed to work just like a regular bracket, except in comes in fun shapes that your child can choose from to customize their braces. They can work with any orthodontic treatment and are safe and comfortable. While traditional brackets are silver and square, WildSmiles offers brackets that come in shapes like hearts, stars, sports balls, diamonds, flowers, and footballs! With these custom creations,your child will be able to customize their experience with braces and choose the bracket that they feel fits their personality best. Children can even mix and match these creations—if they love flowers and football, why not get both! The custom brackets that WildSmiles offers helps children get more excited about having braces. Your kids will be able to boast of brackets that no one else has, and you’ll be able to mix and match them to be entirely custom for your child.

More Fun for Kids!

These custom brackets can be easily incorporated with the colorful bands that your orthodontist offers. With the combination of these special brackets and their personal colors, your child will feel truly unique with WildSmiles. WildSmiles custom brackets can be ordered and shipped to your orthodontist, so they can be there when your child first gets their braces on. While the experience of braces can be scary and a little painful for your child, you can help cheer them up and get them excited about braces with WildSmiles. The best part about WildSmiles’ stainless steel brackets is that they’re more comfortable than clear or ceramic brackets offered by orthodontists. They have a low-profile design that helps keep them comfortable in your child’s mouth while still being stylish and unique enough for them to want to show off their custom brackets. Kids can get excited about choosing their brackets and having a custom smile throughout their orthodontic treatment combined with the colors that your traditional orthodontist can place on the brackets.

Your child’s orthodontic treatment is important—both to you and to your child. Whether your child is already excited about braces or if they’re apprehensive about them, help get your child the custom treatment and smile they deserve with WildSmiles custom brackets!

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Orthodontists are trained to spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.  The advantage for patients of early detection of orthodontic problems is that some problems may be easier to correct if they are found and treated early.

But what are realistic expectations for smile correction? Parents often ask about the lasting impact for their child’s smile, and what can they expect to see?

While the aspects and severity of individual cases can determine the length and success rate for orthodontic treatment, the end result can be dramatic and often can exceed expectations.

But seeing is believing, so view this time lapse video from the American Association of Orthodontists to see firsthand what braces can do for a child’s smile.

The post What results can orthodontic braces deliver for my child’s smile? See for yourself… appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.