6 Most Common Causes of a Toothache
Toothaches can indicate a severe underlying problem with your oral health. Here are six typical causes of toothache and the steps you should take to resolve them.
Adult Orthodontics: It’s Never Too Late to Straighten Your Teeth and Correct Your Bite
Straightening your teeth as an adult isn't as simple as when you were younger, right? Actually, according to the American Association of Orthodontics, one out of every four orthodontic patients is an adult.
At Goodman Dental Center, Dr. Brian Goodman and Dr. Tanner Goodman understand the importance of a healthy smile. Our team offers several effective orthodontic treatments to children and adults at our Queen Creek, Arizona office.
Why do adults need orthodontics?
When you think about braces and clear aligners, children and teens probably come to mind. However, anyone of any age can get orthodontic care, including adults.
If you grew up without straight teeth or with a crooked bite, you might be used to that problem in your mouth. However, getting the issue fixed at some point is a good idea for several reasons, including your self-confidence.
Orthodontics help you gradually straighten your teeth and correct your bite using wires, brackets, or custom clear aligners to move your teeth into the correct place.
As an adult, you may need orthodontic care for several reasons, including misaligned teeth. Other reasons you should look into orthodontics include the following issues:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Overcrowding
- Open bite
- Protruding teeth
All of these issues lead to problems in your mouth and jaw. An overbite, underbite, or open bite can lead to severe pain in your jaw and wear and tear on your teeth.
You can have severe decay and gum disease when your teeth are overcrowded or the bite isn't aligned. Orthodontics allow you to choose a treatment that fits your lifestyle for a healthier, more appealing smile.
Types of orthodontic treatments
There are various forms of orthodontics, each of which treats your dental problem by slowly and gently moving your teeth into alignment. When you think of orthodontics, braces come immediately to mind.
However, as an adult, braces may differ from your idea of an aesthetically pleasing dental treatment. Wearing metal brackets on your teeth for a few years probably doesn't have you jumping up and down for joy.
While braces are a highly effective treatment for straightening your teeth and correcting your bite, another option is available.
Our office offers convenient and nearly invisible SureSmile® clear aligners to give you the smile you've dreamed of. Clear aligners are an inconspicuous way to gently move your teeth into alignment without a mouth full of metal.
The clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth. Every few weeks, you change the aligners to a new one, putting gentle pressure on your teeth to direct them into the proper location.
Clear aligners are as effective as braces and other orthodontic treatments but are less hassle-free. You can remove the aligners to eat and brush your teeth, but they should remain in your mouth the rest of the time.
Why straight teeth and a healthy bite are important
Your teeth are essential for your looks, a healthy mouth, and digestion. As an adult, it's crucial to straighten your teeth and correct your bite, regardless of age.
One of the biggest reasons your bite is essential is your oral health. When your teeth don't fit together correctly, it leads to several issues, including plaque formation and decay. It's harder to clean your teeth when they're not aligned properly.
The longer your teeth are misaligned, or your bite remains uncorrected, the higher your risk for gum disease, cavities, or severe decay.
If your teeth protrude in the front of your mouth, they're especially prone to injury or breaking. Orthodontics allow your teeth to move into a safer position to protect them from damage.
A misaligned bite also presents problems in your mouth, including grinding, chipped teeth, and jaw pain. Improper bites can lead to TMJ, a painful disorder that affects the joints on either side of your jaw. Headaches and migraines are also common with an improper bite.
Our team suggests orthodontic treatment if you're dealing with any issues that involve the alignment of your teeth. We offer several options depending on your preference and the condition of your teeth.
To find out which orthodontic treatment is proper for you, call our office today at 480-807-4000, or request an appointment on the website today.
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