How Does Misalignment Affect My Bite and Jaw?

An imbalanced bite forces your jaw to shift into unnatural positions during routine activities like chewing and speaking. Your temporomandibular joint, which is essentially the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull, becomes overworked, and, over time, this compensation can lead to muscle fatigue and inflammation in your jaw. The resulting tension can radiate upward, triggering headaches around your temples or behind your eyes and even causing neck or shoulder tightness and discomfort.

Issues such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and overcrowding disrupt the balance of your bite and place uneven pressure on the jaw joints. Even subtle misalignment can create chronic strain if left unaddressed.

How Can Orthodontic Treatment Help?

Correcting the alignment of your teeth can not only improve your smile but can also relieve stress on the jaw and surrounding muscles. Orthodontic treatments such as braces or Invisalign® gradually reposition your teeth so they fit together more comfortably and function more efficiently. As alignment improves, many patients notice reduced jaw tension, fewer headaches, and overall better bite stability.

Schedule Your Orthodontic Evaluation Today

A healthier bite can lead to a healthier you! If you’re experiencing headaches, jaw clicking, facial soreness, or difficulty chewing, an orthodontic assessment may uncover underlying bite issues. Early correction of tooth and bite misalignment can help prevent long-term TMJ strain and improve your overall comfort. To explore your options and find lasting relief, contact your orthodontist today.

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Tip #1: Brush and Floss Frequently

You might be surprised at how easily food can get caught around the brackets and wires of your braces, so brushing after every meal is key. And, be sure to floss at least once a day using floss threaders, orthodontic floss, or a water flosser to clean between your teeth and under the wires where your toothbrush can’t reach. Also, be sure to use fluoride toothpaste (and mouthwash) to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent cavities, and reduce white spots or gum irritation.

Tip #2: Brush Efficiently

Did you know HOW you brush makes a difference? For best results, angle your toothbrush 45 degrees toward your gumline and move it gently in small circles. Brush meticulously around each bracket and along your gumline to remove plaque. Pro tip: an electric toothbrush with a specially designed orthodontic head can make the process even easier. 

Tip #3: Avoid Sugary and Acidic Food and Drinks 

Your orthodontist likely advised you to avoid sticky foods to protect your brackets. However, you should also avoid sticky foods (as well as sweet and acidic foods and drinks), as remnants can cling to your braces and erode your tooth enamel. Limit soda, candy, and fruit juices, and if a craving hits, rinse your mouth with water afterward to reduce acid exposure.

Tip #4: See Your Dentist for Regular Checkups

While you have braces, you’ll be spending plenty of time in a dental office getting adjustments. However, don’t forget that routine dental appointments are just as important as orthodontic visits. Professional cleanings are extra effective at removing plaque and tartar that brushing can’t, and your dentist and hygienist will thoroughly check your mouth to ensure your gums are healthy and your teeth are in excellent shape while you’ve got braces.

Explore Orthodontic Treatment at Potomac Family Dental

By following the above tips, it’s easier to ensure you’re taking optimal care of your teeth while your orthodontics work their magic. Schedule your dental cleaning today to help keep your teeth and gums in top condition.

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While it can be tempting to celebrate and forget about orthodontic appliances, one crucial step remains: wearing a retainer. But why is this so important?

Let’s explore the reasons for retainer use after braces, how long you need to wear your retainer, and how you can keep your beautiful new smile for life with this essential appliance.

Protect Your New Smile

Once braces are removed, your teeth may look perfectly aligned, but they’re not quite ready to stay that way.

After orthodontic treatment, your teeth can still shift as they settle into their new positions. Retainers help keep teeth in place and provide stability as the surrounding bone and tissues adjust to support the newly aligned teeth.

Without a retainer, it’s common to see teeth gradually shift back toward their original positions, a phenomenon referred to as orthodontic relapse [1].

Prevent Dental Issues

Due to orthodontic relapse, failing to wear a retainer can lead to significant dental misalignment over time.

This not only affects the aesthetic appearance of your smile but can also contribute to issues such as bite problems, increased wear on teeth, gum disease, and jaw discomfort—all the problems your orthodontic treatment was designed to prevent in the first place.

Wearing a retainer as instructed can help prevent these complications, maintaining not just the look of your smile but also its health [2].

Avoid the Need for Future Orthodontic Treatment

As we’ve seen, neglecting to wear your retainer can lead to gradual teeth movement, undoing the hard work you put into your orthodontic treatment.

While some minor shifting can be expected, significant changes can result in the need for future orthodontic work. For many, this means additional treatments, costs, and a longer path to achieving a straight and beautiful smile.

If you’ve stopped wearing your retainer and notice changes in your teeth, it’s a good idea to consult your orthodontist. They can help address the shifting and, if necessary, recommend a plan to regain alignment.

Wear Your Retainer for Life

Patients who have had orthodontic work should wear their retainer as directed by their orthodontist. For many patients, this means wearing their retainer full-time for up to a year after treatment is complete, and then nightly.

To prevent teeth shifting, many orthodontists recommend wearing your retainer for life. Does this mean you have to wear your retainer all day every day? No. But it does mean wearing your retainer nightly or a few nights a week to prevent teeth shifting and protect your smile.

Teeth can and will shift over time due to mesial drift, which is the natural tendency of the teeth to move forward in the mouth [3]. Wearing your retainer not only prevents orthodontic relapse but also tooth movement from mesial drift, keeping your smile intact for life.

Do You Wear Your Retainer?

Wearing a retainer after braces is crucial in ensuring your smile remains straight and healthy. Follow your orthodontist’s guidance for wearing your retainer, and if it’s been some time since you’ve worn one, don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider to get fitted for another appliance!

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10880701/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3484829/
3. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajpa.10329 

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In some cities, fluoride has also been added to public drinking water to help protect teeth against decay. However, many parents wonder if fluoride is healthy for their little one’s developing smile. Is fluoride safe for your child’s dental health?

Yes, Fluoride Has Been Shown to Be Safe and Effective

Fluoride is a widely used mineral that’s considered to be safe and effective for your children’s teeth. Drinking water with fluoride as well as using toothpaste with fluoride are both considered safe [1]. Some children don’t get fluoride in their drinking water, and may need a supplemental form of fluoride such as a mouth rinse even if they brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste. There is such a thing as getting too much fluoride, so if you have concerns about your child’s fluoride consumption, talk with your child’s dentist to ensure they’re getting just the right amount to help their smile!

Fluoride Has Many Benefits for Your Child’s Dental Health

Using fluoride isn’t only safe for your child’s smile, but has benefits that are hard to beat. After decades of research, fluoride has been shown to [2]:

• Reduce tooth decay by 25% in both adults and children
• Strengthen tooth enamel
• Prevent the need for fillings later in life
• Make tooth loss less likely even in adulthood

Fluoride works with other minerals in your child’s saliva, including calcium and phosphate, to keep teeth strong and resistant to cavities [3]. Without fluoride as part of your child’s oral care routine, teeth aren’t as protected against damage from acids and bacteria, which can lead to an increased risk for cavities.

When Should You Start Using Fluoride for Your Child?

While fluoride is an excellent tool for protecting your child’s smile, like toothpaste and mouthwash, it shouldn’t be swallowed. So while you can start brushing your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste as soon as they have teeth, it’s important to assist them with their teeth brushing until they’re old enough to be trusted to do the task on their own (usually around age seven or eight, but the exact number can be different for every child!).

Any fluoride mouth rinses shouldn’t be used until your child is at least six years of age [4]. Your dentist can let you know if your child needs a fluoride rinse and prescribe one if necessary. For some children, they may need topical application of fluoride at the dentist’s office to help protect against decay, especially if your child isn’t getting enough fluoride at home.

Is Your Child Getting Enough Fluoride?

Your child’s dentist can review your child’s fluoride use with you and let you know if they could need additional fluoride treatments. Fluoride isn’t just safe for your little one’s oral health—it offers protective benefits that can encourage a healthy smile for life!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/moms-guide-to-fluoride
2. http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Files/Fluoridation_Facts.pdf?la=en
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/fluoride-superhero
4. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=fluoride-and-children-90-
P01853

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Crooked teeth affect more than just your appearance. When teeth don’t align together properly, they can cause oral health consequences that impact your smile. Here’s how misaligned teeth can affect your oral health as well as what you can do about it!

Crooked Teeth Are Difficult to Clean

When teeth are crowded or overlap, they’re difficult to properly clean. Even with the right tools and habits such as daily brushing and flossing, misaligned teeth make it more difficult to adequately remove plaque to prevent oral health problems.

If plaque is left on the teeth—especially near the gumline—it can build up and form into a hardened substance called tartar. Both plaque and tartar can cause gingivitis, the beginning stage of gum disease. Having misaligned teeth influences your risk of developing gum disease in your lifetime [1].

Misaligned Teeth Can Increase Your Risk for Bruxism

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is when you consciously or unconsciously grind your teeth. Bruxism is incredibly damaging to your teeth and could happen due to stress, anxiety, or a misaligned bite [2].

When teeth don’t sit properly in the jaw, it can place stress on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can lead to tension and pain. The relationship between bruxism and TMJ disorders is complex, but misaligned teeth are a risk factor for both conditions.

Potential Jaw Issues

Misaligned teeth can also exist with an improper bite, which can place stress on the jaw. This could lead to TMJ symptoms such as jaw stiffness and pain as we’ve seen, or it could even lead to problems with speaking and chewing [3]. Typically, people who correct their misaligned teeth experience a decrease in their symptoms and are able to chew and speak more comfortably.

Treatment Options for Misaligned Teeth

There are many treatment options for crooked teeth to help improve your appearance, your oral health, and your bite. Your choices will all depend on your unique case which makes getting an assessment with your dentist or orthodontist an important step.

You may have the option of going with a retainer-type device that helps move your bite or teeth into their proper positions, or, more commonly, you’ll have the option of braces or Invisalign. Your oral healthcare professional can let you know more about your treatment options during your consultation!

Are Misaligned Teeth Impacting Your Oral Health?

If you have misaligned teeth and your oral health has been impacted, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist to see what can be done. Crooked teeth can influence your risk for gum disease, tooth decay, and jaw discomfort, and straightening your teeth can be an influential form of treatment to help improve your oral health!

Sources:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html#Risk
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/teeth-grinding
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553375/

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While there’s no one best age for your child to have braces, there are some general guidelines you can keep in mind when it comes to seeking orthodontic care. The best age will vary for each child, and your little one is unique! Here’s what you need to know about the best age for your child to have braces.

Get an Orthodontic Evaluation By Age 7

Children should be evaluated for braces as their permanent teeth are coming in. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be seen by an orthodontist no later than age 7 [1]. Why does your child need to be seen at such a young age?

At this age, your child will still have some of their baby teeth, but also some of their permanent teeth as well. An orthodontist will be able to see bite and alignment problems forming at this age, if they are present, and recommend treatment as early as possible to prevent the need for more extensive treatment later on.

No Two Cases or Treatment Times Will Be the Same

The best age to begin orthodontic treatment will vary, as no two kids are the same in their orthodontic issues, tooth development, and jaw development. However, the most common ages to begin orthodontia are between the ages of 8 and 14 [2].

The average treatment time for orthodontia will range anywhere from one year to over two years. In general, however, the average time for treatment is just under two years. It’s important to remember that every child is different and treatment times can vary greatly!

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Seek Orthodontic Care for Your Child

As kids’ teeth are generally still developing during their first orthodontist consultation, this is a good age to consider treatment. Some children will need orthodontic intervention earlier based on their issues, while others can wait until their teenage years. Some interventions are easier to do at earlier ages than they are as your child gets older.

The first orthodontist visit is usually simple and painless for children, and will involve an exam and some questions, including x-rays [3]. Based on your orthodontist’s findings, he or she may discuss treatment options with you at this time.

Is It Time to See the Orthodontist?

Your dentist can usually tell if your child requires orthodontic work, and can recommend an
experienced orthodontist to you for treatment. Some dental practices handle orthodontics as well to make treatment even more convenient. Is it time to schedule an appointment for your child to be evaluated for braces? Don’t put off this important appointment!

Sources:
1. https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/parent-s-guide-post/first-visit/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/braces/expert-answers/dental-
3. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/braces.html

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Gapped teeth are common, and are usually the result of tooth misalignment or the size of your jaw as related to the size of your teeth. While some patients have aesthetic and functional concerns about their gapped teeth, others won’t. Either way, orthodontic treatment is typically a very straightforward way to fix gaps for most patients [1].

But do you really need to fix the gaps in your teeth? Here’s what you need to know.

A Gap Between the Front Teeth Can Cause Crowded Teeth or Bite Problems

For some people with a larger gap between their two front teeth, this spacing may not leave enough room for the neighboring teeth to come in properly, which can cause issues with tooth alignment and corresponding bite problems [2].

These issues can cause jaw pain, crooked or crowded teeth, or even an increased risk for tooth decay or gum disease. Crowded teeth can make it difficult to properly clean each tooth, which can cause plaque to build up in the mouth.

If you have chronic or intermittent jaw pain, or have crooked or crowded teeth along with your gap, it could be time to seek an orthodontic evaluation.

For Some Patients, Gapped Teeth Could Be a Sign of Gum Disease

If you notice your teeth are changing and gaps in your smile are either developing or existing gaps are becoming wider over time, this could be a sign of gum disease.

When plaque and bacteria irritate the gum tissue, it can lead to chronic inflammation and infection, which are seen in cases of more advanced gum disease. As gum disease progresses, the connective tissue that helps hold your teeth in place is damaged, and teeth can become looser [3].

All of this in addition to receding gum tissue can cause your teeth to appear more gapped than usual. Gum disease doesn’t go away on its own, and will require professional treatment from your dentist to remedy!

Your Gapped Teeth May Be Fine

There are many reasons a person’s teeth might be gapped, from genetics to lifestyle factors to even oral disease as we’ve seen. But for some people, gapped teeth don’t cause problems, and many people choose to keep their gapped teeth and forgo orthodontic treatment.

If you have any adverse oral health symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist for an exam. He or she may refer you to an orthodontist for a more comprehensive evaluation of your gapped teeth to determine if they could be causing a problem.

Depending on your unique smile, gapped teeth may not be an orthodontic concern, although for some, they can be a cosmetic one. Getting treatment for gapped teeth is ultimately your choice, and your oral healthcare professionals can let you know more about your smile when you go in for an appointment!

Sources:
1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/diastema
2. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/teeth-gapped-
3. https://www.efp.org/patients/what-is-periodontitis.html

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Your kids aren’t limited to choosing just one type of treatment anymore. Where traditional braces were the only choice years ago, your children have more orthodontic options than ever. What types of treatment are available today?

Damon Braces

Damon braces are effective at correcting crowded teeth among other issues, and some studies even show that damon braces result in a faster treatment time than traditional braces [1]. But why is this, exactly?

Damon bracesare self-litigating, which means they adjust themselves as the teeth move into their proper positions. What this means for you is fewer orthodontic visits and a sustainable orthodontic treatment that requires fewer adjustments.

Another benefit to damon braces is that they feature clear brackets, which means they are less noticeable on the teeth than traditional braces, making them a popular alternative.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces but with a twist—the brackets go on the backsides of teeth. So while your child will be getting effective orthodontic treatment, these braces will be invisible from the outside of their mouth!

Not everyone will qualify for lingual braces, as the backsides of the teeth need to be large enough to accommodate the brackets, but studies have shown lingual braces to be an effective form of orthodontic treatment [2].

Invisalign

Invisalignis a form of orthodontic treatment that uses various sets of clear aligners that are swapped out as your treatment progresses and your teeth shift into place.

Treatment with Invisalign can tackle a wide range of orthodontic issues. Children, teens, and adults all love Invisalign because the treatment is virtually invisible when you’re wearing the aligners, which need to be worn for at least 20 hours every day.

Although Invisalign has some limitations with what issues it can treat, it’s easy to use, comfortable to wear, and allows patients to remove the aligners to clean their teeth—resulting in “superior” oral hygiene compared to traditional metal braces [3].

What Treatment Is Best for Your Child?

Your professional orthodontist can evaluate your child’s smile to determine which form of treatment would be best for them. Whether you love the idea of being able to remove the Invisalign aligners for cleaning or want a more traditional form of treatment like damon or lingual braces, your orthodontist can help you make the best choice!

Sources:
1. http://www.tmj.eg.net/article.asp?issn=1687-
8574;year=2016;volume=13;issue=1;spage=18;epage=27;aulast=Sayed
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26359019
3. https://www.cda-adc.ca/jcda/vol-73/issue-3/263.pdf

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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!

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