The Importance of Orthodontics

orthodontics at <b>OHIO</b><i>Smiles</i>

Your teeth are a critical component of your mouth. They have many essential functions, including biting, chewing, and controlling airflow when you speak. They also play an integral role in your smile as well as the health of your jawbone. Crooked teeth affect all of these functions, as well as your oral health and your overall quality of life. OHIOSmiles can help with orthodontic treatment.

What are the Effects of Crooked Teeth?

Crooked, or misaligned, teeth and jaws can cause several significant issues. These include :

•	A less than perfect smile. This can lead to self-consciousness and a loss of confidence.
•	An increased risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
•	An increased risk for tooth damage, due to uneven distribution of chewing pressure.
•	Difficulty properly chewing food. This can impact your digestion as well as your overall nutrition.
•	Bruxism and TMJ disorder.

Common Orthodontic Issues

There are some different orthodontic issues that can affect your oral health and your quality of life. These include:

•	Overcrowding. This issue occurs when there is insufficient space in your mouth to accommodate all of your teeth. It can also occur if your teeth erupt improperly.
•	Spacing issues. These are gaps between your teeth. For some, the improper spacing in one part of the mouth can cause overcrowding in another.
•	Overbites. This occurs when your upper jaw protrudes too far out over your lower jaw.
•	Underbites. This is when the lower jaw juts out past the upper jaw.
•	Crossbites. This is when one or more of the teeth on either side of the upper jaw fall inside of the lower teeth.
•	Openbites. This occurs when your upper and lower teeth in the front of your mouth do not meet properly, leaving an open space.

Orthodontic Treatment for All Ages

Orthodontics is commonly associated with adolescents. This is because you typically see children between the ages of 10 and 14 wearing braces. While this may be the most common age for undergoing treatment, we can provide treatment at all stages of life.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, it is recommended that children undergo an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. At this age, the adult teeth are developing below the gums, and some may have even begun to emerge. At this age, we can detect the presence of different orthodontic issues. We can also predict the likelihood for issues developing later in life. In some cases, we can provide early treatment to lessen the severity of later treatment, or even eliminate the need for later treatment.

The adolescent years are considered some of the best for undergoing orthodontic treatment, particularly with braces. This is because all of the adult teeth have erupted, but the jaw is still developing. This means that it is more malleable, which makes moving teeth into the proper alignment easier.

Adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment as well. Whether you could not afford treatment in your younger years or you have previously undergone treatment, and your teeth have since shifted back out of alignment, we can help.

What are the Benefits of Orthodontics?

There are many benefits that come with orthodontics. These include:

•	An improved smile.
•	Greater confidence.
•	Improved oral health.
•	Evenly distributed chewing pressure.
•	Improved digestion and nutrition.
•	Alleviation of bruxism and TMJ issues.

If you are currently living with crooked teeth, orthodontics can help to improve your smile, your oral health, and your quality of life. Call OHIOSmiles at (740) 630-9797 to learn more and schedule your consultation today.

OHIOSmiles

1500 Deerpath Drive
Cambridge, OH 43725

(740) 630-9797

Opening Hours

Monday & Tuesday: 8am–4pm
Wednesday: 11am–7pm
Thursday: 8am–4pm
Friday: 7am–3pm