There’s no doubt we all want straight teeth and a beautiful smile. It not only looks nice, but when dealing with crooked teeth, it may also lead you to experience other issues. Such as chipped and fractured teeth, TMJ pain, or premature wear and tear on the teeth are just a few of the potential hazards of a misaligned bite. Every day, we see patients looking to straighten their smiles and improve their oral health at Alba Orthodontics. But you may ask, what exactly are the benefits of an aligned bite? Our team in Mechanicsburg is here to explain the ways orthodontic treatment can transform your smile – and your life!
When is bite correction necessary?
The basis for a straight smile and healthy teeth is to have a properly aligned bite. Drs. Fred and Jeff Alba can determine one of the many reasons your bite may be misaligned. They have the skills and experience to correct any malocclusions you may experience. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common orthodontic issues:
Open Bite is when the front teeth don’t overlap the bottom or line up with them correctly. The front teeth may have a gap or not even touch the lower jaw. An open bite is typically caused by thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting. It is also harmful because it can wear down your back molars.
Underbite is when jaws do not line together, and the lower jaw protrudes more than the upper jaw. TMJ and difficulty biting are the results of having an underbite.
Overbite occurs when the upper jaw sticks out over the lower jaw. This malocclusion causes the patient’s front teeth to wear out prematurely and leads them to bite into the gum tissue.
Crossbite is when some of the teeth are behind the lower jaw, and some are in front, allowing them to overlap when they come together unevenly. A crossbite can cause tooth fracture or chipped teeth.
What are the benefits of an aligned bite?
It’s now time to explore the benefits of correcting different malocclusions now that we have determined the many types. All of this will also show how you can achieve a straighter smile!
A more comfortable bite
When your teeth do not align properly, it can result in significant pain. Some teeth may have uneven wear, chips or fractures because they will get more use than the others. In order to have a comfortable experience while eating and relieve any tension, Dr. Fred and Dr. Jeff can align your bite with aligners or braces. Orthodontic treatment will allow you to focus on more than just one area of your mouth when eating because your teeth will become more even.
Better overall dental health
If you’re dealing with a misaligned bite, it may be easy to miss some hard-to-reach areas when caring for your smile, which can lead to plaque and food buildup. After treatment at Alba Orthodontics, your teeth will be properly aligned, meaning they will be easier to care for and maintain. Not to mention, your smile will also look great!
Better jaw health
Do you experience headaches or neck pain? Did you know that a misaligned bite can sometimes be the cause? Drs. Alba can help determine if orthodontic issues are the root cause with an orthodontic examination. Two other benefits of having an aligned bite are eliminating extra tension on the jaw, and your teeth will function properly.
A beautifully straightened smile
Never underestimate the benefits of having a beautiful smile! A stunning smile will not only boost your self-esteem but will also help you feel more confident. The overall facial appearance can change when correcting a misaligned jaw in extreme cases.
What options are available to straighten my smile?
Over the years, orthodontic technology has dramatically improved. Thanks to that, more options are available to help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile. In our Mechanicsburg office, we offer:
Damon Self-Ligating Braces
Damon braces are a great way to make sure you end up with the smile you’ve always wanted. Braces help eliminate speech problems and correct misaligned bites, jaw problems, and crowded teeth. Traditional braces have changed over the years, which is why we use state-of-the-art Damon braces at Alba Orthodontics. Damon braces utilize self-ligating brackets that hold the wire in place without additional ties or wires. Unlike traditional braces, Damon braces do not require “tightening” because the wires constantly move your teeth. Your results will give you self-confidence and an exceptional smile that will last a lifetime.
Invisalign® or Spark™ clear aligners
Invisalign or Spark Clear Aligners reposition your teeth gradually, creating a smile that you will be proud to show off. Clear aligner treatment straightens your teeth using a custom-made, clear, removable aligner that fits your smile. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners have no metal bands or wires to trap food and plaque. This treatment type allows you to reduce periodontal disease, tooth decay, and plaque buildup and helps you maintain good oral hygiene. Invisalign or Spark clear aligners from Drs. Fred and Jeff Alba can give you beautiful results, all while being more comfortable than traditional metal braces.
Clear braces
Clear braces are designed to be less noticeable than metal braces. Drs. Fred and Jeff Alba use ceramic braces to move teeth just like metal braces, except clear braces are made of nearly invisible tooth-colored polycrystalline ceramic material, making them less eye-catching. At our Mechanicsburg office, we blend the ceramic braces with the color of your teeth, which gives you a treatment that people may never notice. This treatment type can sometimes be more fragile than metal braces, which is why our doctors at Alba Orthodontics may recommend them for older teens and adult patients.
InBrace Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are a more discrete orthodontic treatment than metal or clear braces. These braces are placed on the back of your teeth rather than the front and work the same as traditional braces by applying gentle, continuous pressure to shift your teeth. To create your custom InBrace lingual braces, our team at Alba Orthodontics will take digital impressions and send them to a dental lab that will create your custom wires.
Align your bite and transform your smile with Alba Orthodontics
If you have dealt with the uncomfortable side effects of a misaligned bite, our team at Alba Orthodontics is here to help! Dr. Fred and Dr. Jeff have the knowledge and experience to give you a more aligned bite and healthier smile. We’re here to help you take the first step to correct any orthodontic issues you may encounter. Contact our Mechanicsburg office to schedule your free consultation and take back your smile!