Orthodontic treatments, such as conventional braces and clear aligners, are not just about improving the aesthetics of your smile. Many seek these treatments primarily to improve their oral health and function — properly aligned teeth can be instrumental to improve biting, chewing, and speech, as well as teeth cleansibility.
But how do you know if you need orthodontic treatments? Here are some observations to consider before you search for orthodontic treatments in Geelong.
1. Difficulty Biting or Chewing
A misaligned bite may make eating uncomfortable and less efficient. For instance, individuals with an open bite —where the front teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed — may have difficulty chewing food. Another example includes experiencing discomfort when you bite into harder foods like apples.
These issues may lead to increased strain on the jaw because the teeth are not sharing the workload evenly, as well as affecting the digestive system due to the food not being broken down effectively before swallowing. Orthodontic treatment may help by improving tooth and jaw alignment to evenly distribute chewing forces.
2. Crowded or Overlapping Teeth
Crowding occurs when there is insufficient space in the jaw for teeth to align properly. This may cause more food entrapment between your teeth, subsequently making brushing and flossing difficult. As a result, you may be at increased risks of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease.
For example, it can be difficult to floss effectively between the lower front teeth if they are overlapping. Over time, this may lead to inflamed gums, cavities, or even premature enamel wear. By realigning the teeth, orthodontic treatment may create space and improve access to cleaning, making oral hygiene more effective and reducing long-term dental issues.
3. Gaps Between Teeth
Spacing issues, such as gaps between teeth, may occur due to missing teeth, tooth size discrepancy, or improper tongue posture. Not all gaps affect oral function, but some may contribute to food trapping and gum irritation.
For instance, when teeth grow at different angles, this may create space where food particles can frequently get stuck. Constant flossing and careful cleaning are required to ensure that gap stays clean, otherwise it may lead to tooth decay and gum infections. Orthodontic treatment may help close these spaces, reducing the likelihood of food trapping and supporting better oral health.
4. Protruding Teeth
Protruding teeth, especially the upper front teeth have less protection from the lips and are at greater risk of chipping or breaking due to falls, sports activities, or minor impacts. This condition may also be caused by prolonged thumb-sucking, and pacifiers, as well as underlying teeth malocclusion. Orthodontic treatment may help reposition these teeth to the proper alignment, reducing the likelihood of injury and improving function.
5. Teeth Grinding or Clenching
A misaligned bite may lead to the subconscious habit of teeth grinding (bruxism) and/or clenching. As the bite force is not evenly distributed, your jaw muscles may compensate, which may worsen grinding and clenching habits. Over time, bruxism may wear down teeth, increase tooth sensitivity, and cause jaw discomfort. Orthodontics may help by aligning your teeth and improving the bite relationship.
6. Speech Difficulties
Misaligned teeth may affect tongue placement and phonetics, such as pronouncing “s” or “th”. This may lead to lisping or mispronunciations. For instance, individuals with a gap between their front teeth may develop a slight lisp because air escapes through the gap while speaking. Some cases of speech difficulties may be improved with orthodontic treatment.
Considerations Before Starting Orthodontic Treatment
If any of these signs are present, seeking a consultation with an orthodontics provider in Geelong may be beneficial. Your consultation may involve a discussion about the following factors:
Treatment Options
Depending on the severity of misalignment and individual preferences, options may include braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic treatments.
Treatment Duration
The length of treatment varies based on the complexity of the case.
Oral Hygiene Commitment
Maintaining good oral hygiene, such as proper brushing and flossing, is essential during orthodontic treatment to prevent plaque buildup around brackets or aligners.
Retention Phase
After completing active treatment, retainers may be recommended to help maintain alignment and prevent teeth from relapsing.
Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier Smile With Geelong West Dental
Orthodontic treatments aim to improve dental alignment, bite function, and overall oral health. If you have crowded teeth, concerns about your bite, or have gaps between your teeth, seeking help with orthodontics in Geelong may be beneficial. Addressing misalignment early may help prevent long-term dental issues and support better function.
Considering orthodontic treatment? At Geelong West Dental, our team offers a range of orthodontic solutions tailored to your needs. Using advanced technology and a patient-focused approach, we can help you explore the best ways to straighten your teeth. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a straighter smile