Malocclusion is the dental term for teeth that do not fit together properly; literally, malocclusion means “bad bite.” Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects malocclusions and brings your teeth into proper alignment. Many people have naturally straight teeth. The size of your teeth and how they fit into your jaw are inherited traits, and malocclusion can often affect several generations. Besides genetics, malocclusions can also be caused by accidents or disease. A missing tooth will allow the teeth around the open space to shift causing a malocclusion.
There are many types of malocclusions can include upper or lower jaw too far in or out. There may not be enough space on your mouth for your teeth to develop properly, lending to crowding. On the other hand, you might have too much space between your teeth, allowing them to shift, or your teeth may be in crossbite, which means that one or more of your upper teeth bite inside your lower teeth. A malocclusion that is not corrected can really affect your profile and appearance. Poorly aligned teeth can also contribute to tooth decay, bone destruction, loss of teeth, and jaw-joint problems. These may in turn cause headaches, difficulty in opening and closing your mouth, clicking and popping sounds, and sore and painful jaw muscles.
Braces used to be the only way to straighten teeth affected by malocclusion. But now there is a system called Invisalign that allows us to straighten your teeth without using the brackets and wires of traditional braces. The patented Invisalign system used a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually reposition teeth. We offer the Invisalign system because the aligners are more visually appealing than braces. They are also removable, which makes it easier to clean your teeth after eating. The aligners are smooth and comfortable, and they do not irritate your gums, cheek, or tongue. The Invisalign system also eliminates any allergic reaction that you may experience with metal. Correcting your bite through orthodontic treatment can improve your dental health, and has the added bonus of boosting your self-confidence and giving you a terrific looking smile!
