However, Invisalign isn’t just for crooked teeth. Invisalign can fix the majority of tooth and jaw alignment issues where traditional braces would normally be the only option. What other cases can Invisalign help?

Gapped Teeth

Gapped teeth are a concern for many patients. For some people, the gaps in their smile will lessen as they age, but for others, the gaps are there to stay. When you want to close the gaps between your teeth, Invisalign is an effective form of treatment that can discreetly move your teeth closer together to create a uniform smile you can enjoy for life!

Overbites

Overbites are one of the most common issues that are fixed with traditional orthodontics. However, Invisalign is also adept at treating overbites, including deep overbites [2]. If your orthodontist has told you that you have an overbite, ask him or her about Invisalign to correct your bite and deliver a beautiful, functional smile.

Underbites

Underbites tend to be more obvious than overbites, but not in all cases. Underbites can cause chronic jaw pain and difficulty speaking and chewing, and these problems typically become worse over time rather than improving. Fortunately, when you need to correct your underbite, you have the option of going with Invisalign to correct your bite!

For a Straighter Smile

Invisalign provides an overall straighter smile. For people who don’t necessarily have crooked teeth but want to improve the general appearance of their smile, Invisalign provides a way to gradually straighten your teeth with invisible treatment [3]. One of the best benefits of Invisalign is that it’s removable, allowing you to care for your teeth and gums just as you would without orthodontic treatment for brighter, more even teeth.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

While Invisalign can treat the majority of orthodontic cases, there are some people who will need more extensive treatment where an option such as traditional braces would be more effective. Is it time to ask your orthodontist about Invisalign? Adults and kids alike love the discreet treatment of Invisalign for a beautiful, straight smile!

Sources:
1. https://www.invisalign.com/frequently-asked-questions
2. http://www.jdentaled.org/content/72/8/948
3. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/braces-have-changed-metal-tooth-
colored-clear

The post Invisalign Isn’t Just for Crooked Teeth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

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.

Today, five million people in the United States have their wisdom teeth removed every year [1]. With so many people having their third molars removed, it’s natural to wonder why we have wisdom teeth and why they’re no longer necessary to us as a species.

Ancient Roots

Our ancestors’ diets were much different than what ours are today. They ate food that was often much tougher and so needed to have big, strong teeth and jaws to properly chew this food. Their diet consisted of a lot of raw food that would have needed to be chewed a lot.

Today, our diet is much softer and we don’t have as much need for these big third molars as they aren’t typically used for chewing anymore [2]. As a result, our bodies have evolved and so today, our jaws are much smaller than they were in our ancestors who needed all thirty-two teeth to survive.

Modern Wisdom Teeth

Although our bodies have changed over time, not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth removed today. There are people who have enough room in their jaws for these teeth to come in properly, although they may have trouble cleaning them [3].

While many people do end up having their wisdom teeth removed (anywhere from 60-80
percent of people), not everyone will, so it’s vital to get your dentist’s input. Some people don’t have a choice; their wisdom teeth will come in crooked or won’t have enough room to erupt comfortably in the jaw and so they’ll need to be removed.

Some people today are even born without wisdom teeth or may only have two out of the
standard four wisdom teeth, showing that evolution is slowly phasing wisdom teeth out of our bodies.

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth are more likely to be impacted in people today. Impacted wisdom teeth will come in crooked, not have enough room to erupt, or may only partially erupt through the gumline.

When wisdom teeth become trapped in the jaw, they can cause crowding of neighboring teeth, pain, gum infection, swelling, and overgrowth of bacteria [4]. These are all signs that you’ll need your wisdom teeth removed.

Wisdom tooth removal is a very common surgery that millions of Americans have done every year. If your wisdom teeth need to be removed, getting the procedure done sooner rather than later can help prevent pain and infection from occurring.

Do You Have Wisdom Teeth?

If you have wisdom teeth, getting a professional evaluation from your dentist can help you determine whether or not they’ll need to be removed. While wisdom teeth are no longer vital to our survival, most people still have to deal with these teeth as they come in, so schedule a visit with your dentist to check on your third molars!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1963310/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/415290
3. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/qa-is-it-always-best-to-have-your-wisdom-teeth-removed/
4. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/qa-is-it-always-best-to-have-your-wisdom-teeth-removed/

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Due to genetics, some people have smaller mouths that aren’t able to accommodate every
single tooth. When this happens, teeth are often pushed up against one another and can
become crowded.

Crowded teeth aren’t just difficult to clean, they can increase your risk for tooth decay and can
even cause jaw pain in some cases. You can correct your crowded teeth to experience a healthy
and functional smile with the following options.

Invisalign

Invisalign consists of a set of clear aligners that will be changed every few weeks to help your
teeth shift into their correct positions. Invisalign is completely removable and should be
removed when you eat, but the trays will need to be worn for a minimum of 20 hours every
day.

Invisalign is a discreet form of treatment that’s effective at resolving a variety of orthodontic
issues and can help your crowded teeth move into their proper positions for a beautiful smile.

Braces

Braces are one of the most efficient treatments to correct crowded teeth and get a straight
smile in a relatively short period of time. Fortunately, you have several options for braces today
rather than just traditional metal braces. These include:

 Lingual braces. These braces are placed on the backs of your teeth to provide a
treatment that’s virtually invisible if you’re worried about the appearance of regular
braces.

 Damon braces. Damon braces use clear brackets which make them less noticeable.
These braces are also self-litigating, which means they require less adjustments and
fewer orthodontic visits for your busy schedule.

 Ceramic braces. Ceramic braces use brackets that match your tooth color—and in some
cases, wire that does as well—in order to provide a form of treatment that adults will
appreciate.

An orthodontist can help you determine if your crowded teeth would respond better to one of
these options so that you can enjoy a straighter smile!

Veneers

For those who aren’t keen on orthodontic treatment and want a simpler way to correct their
crowded teeth, you may be able to qualify for dental veneers.

Dental veneers are shells of thin yet strong ceramic that are placed over your natural teeth.
Veneers are an irreversible form of treatment, so it’s important to consider all aspects of
veneers with your dentist before proceeding.

While not everyone with crowded teeth will qualify for veneers, some people may be able to
have veneers bonded over their teeth to improve their appearance and forgo orthodontic
treatment.

Crowded teeth are often embarrassing and difficult to maintain and may even cause pain. For
people who want to correct their crowded teeth, you can discuss the following options with
your dentist or orthodontist. Don’t wait to fix your crowded teeth today—you can enjoy your
smile again with these treatment options!

The post Options for Correcting Your Crowded Teeth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

However, no procedure is without its risks, and wisdom tooth removal is no exception. While
the majority of procedures go according to plan, you should be aware of the potential
complications of wisdom tooth removal before your procedure.

Dry Socket

Dry socket is one of the more common complications of wisdom tooth removal and happens
when the blood clot that forms over your surgical site is either dislodged or never properly
formed in the first place. Dry socket only causes pain, but delays healing as well.

Most people develop dry socket approximately three days following the procedure. Patients
most at risk to experience this complication include smokers, patients over 25 years of age, or
people who fail to follow their dentist’s instructions for healing.

How do you know if you have dry socket? You may have pain that ranges from moderate to
severe with a bad taste in your mouth. Dry socket will need to be treated by your dentist so
don’t hesitate to make an appointment if you’re experiencing symptoms of this complication.

Infection

There is a chance you may develop an infection in one of the areas where your wisdom teeth were removed. Less than 5% of cases experience infection following the procedure, making this a rarer complication of wisdom tooth removal.

If your swelling hasn’t gone down in approximately three days after the procedure, you may
have an infection. Other symptoms include a foul taste in your mouth, worsening pain, or a
fever. You’ll need to be treated by your dentist for an infection; an antibiotic will usually suffice if the infection is caught early enough.

Significant Bleeding

Of course, bleeding during and after the procedure is normal and can usually be stopped with
gauze. However, some patients experience excessive bleeding either during their wisdom tooth
removal or after.

If you experience significant bleeding during the procedure, your dentist will be present to
handle the problem. If you experience persistent bleeding following the procedure, you can use
gauze and apply firm but even pressure on the area for 30 minutes, and be sure to keep your
head elevated.

Should you have any concerns about your amount of bleeding, don’t hesitate to reach out to
your dentist. Oral bleeding has a tendency to look worse than it actually is, as blood mixes with
saliva, but you should always call your dentist with any concerns.

Nerve Damage (Paresthesia)

The wisdom teeth are located close to a major nerve that runs through the jaw. During the
majority of procedures, this nerve is unaffected. However, in some cases, a difficult extraction
can cause the nerve to be damaged.

You may experience temporary or permanent numbness in the soft tissues of your mouth as a
result of this damage, although in most cases, the numbness will subside and your nerve
function will return to normal.

It’s important to remember that while wisdom tooth removal isn’t without its risks, the
procedure is considered safe and most people return home to heal without issue. Should you
have more questions or concerns about potential complications of your wisdom tooth removal,
always ask your dentist!

The post What Are the Potential Complications of Wisdom Tooth Removal? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What exactly is an impacted wisdom tooth? The following are all characteristics of impacted
wisdom teeth as well as how they’re typically treated.

Unable to Erupt Into the Mouth

Fully impacted wisdom teeth are entirely trapped in your jaw and are unable to come through
the gum tissue into the oral cavity. They may be blocked by the surrounding teeth or they may
be coming in at a bizarre angle—such as tilted or sideways.

These teeth are usually out of alignment which is what’s preventing them from coming in
properly. You may also have a wisdom tooth that’s partially impacted, which means it’s not
quite as stuck as fully impacted wisdom teeth, but stuck enough to cause adverse symptoms.
Caught Between the Jaw and Gum Tissue

Wisdom teeth that partially erupt into the mouth but don’t quite make it through the gum
tissue are often called soft-tissue impacted wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth that are impacted in your gum tissue means they can’t fully erupt into the
mouth, perhaps because they don’t have enough room or just because that’s as far as they’re
willing to go.

This type of impacted wisdom tooth is likely to cause irritation or even infection in the
surrounding gum tissue. This is because they are difficult to properly clean being so far back in
the mouth and stuck in the gum tissue, which leaves more room for bacteria and food particles
to get trapped.

Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause many problems in the mouth. If they aren’t able to erupt
through the gumline, they can cause swelling, infection, and pain.

You should never ignore impacted wisdom teeth on account of the problems they can cause. In
addition to causing pain, the longer you allow impacted wisdom teeth to develop, the more
likely they are to cause an infection or alignment problems with your neighboring teeth.

What Does the Treatment Entail?

Treatment for impacted wisdom teeth usually involves extraction. Although impacted wisdom
teeth can be trickier to remove than wisdom teeth that have erupted through the gumline,
these types of extractions are commonplace and most dentists have experience with them.

Getting your impacted wisdom teeth extracted before they cause symptoms can help reduce
the chances you’ll experience any future problems. Since impacted teeth can also ruin
orthodontic work by pushing against your other teeth, getting them evaluated now can help
keep your teeth in place.

If your wisdom teeth haven’t made an appearance yet, schedule an appointment with your
dentist. A simple x-ray can tell if your wisdom teeth are on their way in and whether or not
they’re impacted. Never let an impacted wisdom tooth go because the sooner you get
treatment, the less your smile will be disrupted by these molars!

The post What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth and How Is It Treated? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

What this means is that wisdom teeth get stuck either underneath the gumline or only partially erupt through the gumline. Either one of these is a situation that requires professional care.

Your impacted wisdom tooth will eventually need to come out before it begins causing other problems. When should you get it out and why?

When Your Dentist Recommends Extraction

It’s imperative that you see a professional dentist for your impacted wisdom tooth. He or she can let you know when extraction would best be completed. You don’t want to wait to see a dentist when it comes to impacted wisdom teeth.

Impacted wisdom teeth are essentially trapped inside your jawbone. Leaving them alone could mean incurring jaw pain or even complications that would make extraction more difficult. If there are complications during your extraction, not only could the procedure be more expensive, your recovery time could take longer.

Signs to look out for with impacted wisdom teeth include pain, swelling, bleeding, or bad breath, which could mean you have an infection. Your dentist or oral surgeon can help you decide when the best time to extract your impacted wisdom tooth is.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth Can Ruin Orthodontic Work

Impacted wisdom teeth are more than just nuisances that you need to get out. They can cause some major problems if left alone, even if there’s only one of them. If you’ve had any previous orthodontic work done, impacted wisdom teeth can ruin it.

These wisdom teeth can push against your rows of teeth, making them crowd together and pushing them forward. Teeth can quickly become misaligned and you may even need a second set of braces after the removal if you wait too long.

Impacted wisdom teeth can also cause infections. This is because impacted wisdom teeth that partially erupt through the gums can be very difficult to clean. Food particles and plaque can cause decay that simply can’t be reached without help from your dentist.

What to Expect

Millions of people have their wisdom teeth removed every year without issue. This is a relatively simple procedure that’ll have you back to your old self in no time. Your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon who can conduct the removal. You’ll be mildly sedated, the teeth will be extracted, and you’ll go home the same day.

Following your oral surgeon’s instructions for healing can help you to recover quickly and safely from your wisdom tooth removal. After you heal, your smile will be back to normal and you’ll no longer have any problems from your wisdom teeth!

Are you seeing signs of impacted wisdom teeth? Don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your dentist. He or she can take x-rays and tell if your wisdom teeth are impacted. If they are, an oral surgeon can further help you identify when an extraction would be needed. Don’t put off an impacted wisdom tooth, it could get worse!

The post How Long Can I Ignore My Impacted Wisdom Tooth? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Create Room for Bacteria

Your crowded teeth might not leave much room in your mouth, but what they are doing is creating room for bacteria to grow. This is because crowded teeth feature tight spaces that can be difficult—if not impossible—to clean with a toothbrush and some floss. It’s often challenging to clean crowded teeth because of the tight spaces they create in the mouth. When you can’t properly clean between teeth, bacteria feed plaque which can build up and eventually cause tooth decay or gum disease. When you can’t properly clean your teeth, bacteria can grow and cause oral health problems!

Abnormal Tooth Wear

Crowded teeth often come with a bite misalignment, which means that your teeth don’t fit together properly when you close your mouth or chew. If the teeth aren’t fitting together as they should, abnormal wear can happen to your teeth over time. The surfaces of your teeth can be worn down, exposing your dentin, which can lead to sensitive teeth and eventually problems with your tooth’s nerve as well as your gums. You may also be more at risk for grinding your teeth because of crowded or misaligned teeth, which causes excessive pressure and wear on your smile that can be damaging for life. How can you prevent crowded teeth from affecting your smile?

Steps to a Great Smile

Generally dental treatment is needed for your crowded teeth to make space for you to clean, properly chew, and have a beautiful correct bite. Your dental specializes in helping people create their dream smile. Your dream smile is more than just pretty teeth—your jaw and teeth should be entirely functional. Oftentimes people with crowded teeth experience problems speaking or chewing as well as a result of the misaligned bite or teeth.

When your crowded teeth are corrected, your teeth will be easier to clean, therefore allowing you to take control of your dental health and better brush and floss your teeth. This means preventing tooth decay and gum disease in addition to not putting extra stress or pressure on your teeth due to an improper bite. Your teeth will also be more functional for you and provide you with the confidence and functionality of a life with a healthy smile!

If you never got the opportunity to take advantage of care for your crowded teeth, it’s never too late to start. Your teeth last a lifetime, and you can experience a functional, healthy smile by correcting your crowded teeth. Reduce your risk for gum disease and tooth decay due to your crowded teeth—visit your dentist to begin your journey to a healthy smile today!

The post Crowded Teeth Affect More Than Your Appearance appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.