Orthodontics has come a long way since you were a child and the only option was bulky metal braces. In addition to there being more treatment variety than ever, advancements in the field now enable orthodontists to do more than just correct noticeably crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth. They can address a much wider array of oral and overall health issues, going far beyond giving their patients attractive smiles.
TMJ Pain
If you wiggle your jaw from side to side, you’ll feel your TMJ (temporomandibular joint) in front of your ears. This set of hinges is what allows your lower jaw to move, and it’s essential to your ability to eat, speak, laugh, and more. Often, a misalignment of the teeth and bite can cause an imbalance in the joint that creates pain in the jaw as well as the head and neck. Orthodontics can get your teeth, bite, and TMJ in line so that this tension, and the associated pain, go away.
Bruxism
“Bruxism” is the official term for teeth grinding that happens while someone is asleep. There are many potential causes, but a big one is a crooked bite. When the teeth don’t come together properly, the body naturally tries to push them together. This creates quite a bit of force—enough to wear down or even crack enamel! Thankfully, orthodontics can help stabilize the bite so that a patient can rest easy and wake up in the morning without dental issues they didn’t have when they went to bed!
Snoring
Snoring often stems from a restricted upper airway, in that the mouth is so narrow that the air causes the oral tissues to vibrate as it rushes past. This is what creates the “iconic” sound we all know as snoring. With orthodontics, the airway can be gradually widened and opened, removing the resistance that is at the source of snoring. Not only will the patient sleep better, but so will anyone in their immediate area!
Over the years, orthodontics has given millions of patients gorgeously straight smiles, but it has also helped countless others get out of pain, avoid dental damage, and sleep better. If any of the problems touched on above are affecting you or your child, be sure to consult with an orthodontist, and they may have the solution you’ve been waiting for.
About the Author
Dr. David W. Cordes received his dental doctorate and orthodontic specialty training from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, and he has proudly served patients of all ages for several years. He’s thrilled to offer a wide range of orthodontic services that are certain to help you and your loved ones achieve straighter and healthier smiles. If you have any questions about the blog, or you’d like to arrange a visit, you can contact us online or over the phone for additional information. We have locations in Westfield, Enfield, and Suffield!