Dental re-alignments can be done by a general dentist or an orthodontist. They work to correct teeth that have shifted out of place due to natural wear or injury. Teeth can shift in one direction (buckling) or two directions (crossing). Buckling is most often caused by tooth grinding habits while crossing is usually due to trauma from sports injuries like hockey pucks hitting teeth. Regardless of how they occurred, these shifts require intervention because they will lead to other problems if not corrected early on with braces or surgery.
They can prevent tooth decay.
It is important to understand the consequences of teeth shifting out of place. Once a tooth has moved significantly, it can be difficult to restore it with braces (or even surgery). The longer treatment takes, the more uncomfortable and expensive it will be for you. Teeth that are not properly aligned can lead to decay around them because proper brushing and flossing cannot be done in those areas. In severe cases, teeth can break or fall out from decay.
If left untreated, the shift will only continue to get worse. When this happens, you’ll have a much harder time trying to put your teeth back into place, and correcting alignment problems with braces or surgery could be impossible. It can damage jaw joints.
The last major concern that results from teeth shifting out of place is the impact on the jawbone. When your alignment is off, your jaw does not function properly because it’s trying to make up for what you’ve lost. Over time this starts damaging the articulation (the connection) between your upper and lower jaws. This can cause your jaw to lock as well as lead to pain and arthritis as you age.
Dental alignments also make teeth easier to clean
People sometimes assume that teeth do not need to be corrected until they are at least crooked. While crooked teeth do require more extensive treatment, many people who grind their teeth find they have already moved quite a bit by the time they realize it. It is much easier to keep teeth properly aligned than it is to put them back into place once shifting has occurred.
Buckling teeth are often hidden when your mouth is closed and straightened out in your smile, but can become visible if you clench or grind your teeth. And while crossing may not be as noticeable when you’re smiling, it could cause serious problems later on.
Once you realize you have shifted teeth, it is important to get them corrected as soon as possible. This will not only prevent other problems from occurring but also make it easier for your dentist or orthodontist to fix the problem now rather than later.
Re-alignments can help with bite problems.
People with underbites or overbites may require dental re-alignments to correct the way their teeth come together. If your jaw is too far forward, you’ll probably need to wear a face mask at night (a sleep apnea appliance). This will keep your jaw back while you’re sleeping without disrupting your breathing. You can also wear braces or headgear to gradually move your jaw back into the right position over time.
Whether it is done with dental appliances, surgery, or braces, getting teeth properly aligned can deliver a variety of benefits that go beyond just making you look better. There are fewer health concerns with correctly aligned joints and muscles than incorrectly misaligned ones.
A patient can have a variety of problems to address so it’s important to meet with your dentist or orthodontist to understand what treatment options are available. An oral examination with secondary exams is usually necessary to determine what, if any, treatment can be done.
How long will it take to recover from a dental alignment procedure?
This depends on the type of procedure that is done. Orthodontic movement, which generally moves your teeth faster than braces, generally takes about a year to complete.
If you are undergoing jaw surgery, it could take several months to recover before you can be fitted for braces. Braces will straighten your teeth over the course of a year or two.
You may feel some pain and discomfort during your recovery, but many people don’t need to take any medications for their procedure and can resume most of their normal activities after a couple of days.
If you’re considering dental alignments, remember that these procedures could change the appearance of your teeth as well as how they function. It’s important to talk with your dentist about what you want from treatment and if it will benefit you.
Things to consider before getting your teeth aligned.
Your dentist or orthodontist might recommend that you get your teeth aligned if they believe it will benefit your mouth and jaw, but it is a good idea to talk with them about what’s involved.
Both braces and orthodontics can change the appearance of your teeth. Whether this matters to you will depend on how comfortable you are with their appearance before treatment begins.
You may also find it more difficult to eat some foods when your teeth are closer together. This is because it will be harder for you to move food around in your mouth or take a bite of something that requires a strong, straight chomp.
You should also consider if your jaw is the right shape and size for braces before agreeing to have orthodontic treatment. Braces can change the way your jaw comes together so even if you believe it would be beneficial, they may not meet all of your needs.
It is best to talk about these things with your dentist or orthodontist who can make you aware of the benefits and disadvantages of treatment before you begin.
CONCLUSION
Regular dentist visits can help to identify any potential problems in your mouth early on before they become a bigger issue. Dentists will be able to educate you on how to care for your teeth and gums better, which can ultimately prevent the development of dental-related problems. Our Kitchener Dental clinic specializes in providing dental x-rays, dental root canal, Repair of Broken Teeth, Fillings, Crowns & Dentures, and more to the Kitchener area. Many dental problems need to be addressed immediately to prevent the condition from worsening, which is why an emergency dental clinic can be a welcome addition to your regular dental care service. Our mission is to serve you as quickly as possible, to avoid any pain or increase in damage.
DISCLAIMER: The advice offered is intended to be informational only and generic in nature. It is in no way offering a definitive diagnosis or specific treatment recommendations for your particular situation. Any advice offered is no substitute for proper evaluation and care by a qualified dentist.