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.

Even if your orthodontist has prepared you for your child’s appointment, the following tips will
help you to create an even smoother transition for your child to adapt to life with braces after
their appointment!

Preparing for Discomfort

Your child should be informed that there will be some pain associated with getting braces.
While teeth are shifting, especially during the first few days after getting braces, your child’s
teeth will be very sore and your child may be more irritable because of this discomfort.

In order to help alleviate your child’s pain, you should have the following on hand before your
child gets their braces:

Orthodontic Wax. This dental wax will help your child’s gum tissue adjust to the braces
by softening edges that may, at least in the beginning, rub painfully on your child’s
gums.

Cold Foods or Ice. Keeping cold foods such as ice cream, popsicles, and even frozen
yogurt on hand can help reduce discomfort while providing a soft, easy-to-eat snack.
Some children may also want to suck on ice, just be sure they don’t chew it as ice can
actually fracture teeth.

OTC Pain Medication.

Your orthodontist can recommend an anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen to help manage your child’s pain.

Not every child will experience the same level of pain when getting braces, but by keeping
these items on hand and preparing your child for the discomfort to come, you both can be
better prepared for adjusting to life with braces.

At Your Appointment

During your child’s appointment to get their braces on, you should expect to be there for
approximately one to two hours. Appointment time will vary by the type of braces your child is
getting, but typically, at least one hour is to be expected. Plan to be at the office for this
amount of time and don’t fret—your child’s orthodontist is doing his or her best to ensure the
application goes smoothly.

Stock the Fridge and Pantry

Be sure to stock plenty of soft foods for your child to eat in those first few days after they get
braces. Due to the level of discomfort children can experience with their new orthodontia, soft
foods are a must during those first tender days. Some good meal options and snacks include:

 Soup
 Smoothies
 Mashed Potatoes
 Yogurt
 Ice Cream
 Pudding
 Scrambled eggs
 Applesauce
 Bread products such as muffins or pancakes
 Pasta
 Soft fruits such as bananas, watermelon, or ripe peaches
 Tofu

Keeping some of your child’s favorite soft foods on hand can help them better cope with the
discomfort of their new braces and keep them nourished during this time of transition.
Within a few days, your child’s teeth should begin to feel better. Most children adjust to their
braces after just a few weeks, so be patient while also being encouraging and prepared.

Is your child getting braces today? By being prepared with the necessary items including food,
orthodontic wax, and anti-inflammatory OTC medication, you can help your child adjust to their
new orthodontia and look forward to that straight smile when the braces finally come off!

The post Is Your Child Getting Braces Today? Here’s How to Prepare appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.