Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry dedicated to the prevention and correction of alignment and positioning anomalies of the teeth and jaws. It is also great for functional and aesthetic purposes. Orthodontists in Westchester County NY, are seeing an influx of patients walk in their doors for procedures like Invisalign and other methods that correct malposition issues. Continue reading or contact your local dentist for more information.
What causes the malposition of the teeth and jaws?
Malposition of the teeth and jaws can be hereditary. It can also be caused by many factors developed over time, like premature loss of baby teeth or permanent teeth. Also, some bad habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing, the presence of adenoids or nasal blockage, atypical swallowing (abnormal positioning of the tongue while you swallow), the biting of the lips or other objects (pencil, pens, etc.) can affect tooth position and shape of the jaws.
Why orthodontic treatment?
* Oral health: Proper alignment of teeth makes cleaning easier, reducing the risk of plaque retention, decay and periodontal disease (gum disease).
* Chewing and improved speech function: The position of the jaws and teeth is closely linked to chewing and, therefore, adequate digestion. The alignment of the teeth and lip position affect pronunciation, phonetics and speech.
* Comfort and longevity increased: Proper occlusion causes less tension to the teeth, bones, muscles and temporomandibular joints. A bad bite can cause grinding and clenching (bruxism). Bruxism is often the cause of the wear and fractured teeth as well as muscular fatigue and pain in the face, head and neck.
* Aesthetics: A beautiful smile equals better self-esteem. Straight teeth and a beautiful smile will make you feel less inhibited and more confident. Another reason to smile! Just another reason to contact your local Orthodontists in Westchester County NY.
What can be corrected by orthodontics?
* Inadequate spaces between teeth or overlapping teeth
* A smile that shows too much gum
* The difficulty of closing the lips while at rest
* The disharmony between the top and bottom of jaws
* Face shape: a chin too forward or backward and/or asymmetry of the mouth
When should you begin orthodontic treatment?
From an early age, when a problem is identified, it is often important to address it quickly. In this way, using small interventions, you can correct an anomaly to prevent major treatment later. Contact Anthony DeBenedictis D.D.S. for more information.
