There’s no doubt we all want straight teeth and a beautiful smile. It looks nice, of course, but there’s more to your smile than the skin-deep appearance. When you’re dealing with crooked teeth, you may also experience other issues like premature wear and tear on the teeth, TMJ pain, or chipped and fractured teeth. Here at Icon Orthodontics, we see patients every single day who are looking to straighten their smiles and improve their oral health. But what exactly are the benefits of an aligned bite? Our team is here to explain the ways orthodontic treatment in Surprise and Glendale can transform your smile – and your life!
When is bite correction necessary?
A properly aligned bite is the basis for a straight smile and healthy teeth. Your bite may be misaligned for any number of reasons, but Dr. Sarpotdar and Dr. Sun have the skill and experience to correct any orthodontic issues you may experience. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common malocclusions:
Openbite is when the front teeth don’t overlap the bottom ones or line up with them correctly. They may not even touch the lower jaw at all and may also have a gap. This condition is most commonly caused by tongue thrusting or thumb-sucking. Openbite is harmful since it can wear down your back molars.
An underbite is when the lower jaw sticks out more than the upper jaw instead of lining up together. This can cause difficulty biting and chewing and TMJ may develop as a result.
Overbite is when the upper jaw sticks out over the lower jaw. This can cause patients to bite into gum tissue or wear out the front teeth prematurely.
Crossbite is when the teeth overlap unevenly when they come together, with some in front of the lower jaw and some behind. This makes it easier to chip or fracture a tooth.
What are the benefits of an aligned bite?
Now that you have a better understanding of the different types of malocclusion, let’s explore the benefits of correcting them and achieving a straighter smile!
A more comfortable bite
If your teeth are not properly aligned, it can result in some serious pain! Certain teeth will get more use than others, causing uneven wear or even chips or fractures. After your orthodontist has aligned your bite with braces or aligners, your teeth will be more even and you won’t be focused on one area of your mouth when eating. This will give you a more comfortable experience when eating and eliminate any unnecessary tension.
Better overall dental health
When your teeth are properly aligned it’s easier to take care of your smile the way you should. If you’re dealing with a misaligned bite, you may miss some hard-to-reach areas, making room for plaque and food build-up. With orthodontic treatment at Icon Orthodontics, your smile will look great and be easier to maintain.
Better jaw health
A misaligned bite can be a sneaky cause of headaches and neck pain. If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms often, your orthodontist can perform an orthodontic examination to determine if orthodontic issues are the root cause of the problem. One benefit of an aligned bite is teeth that function properly and eliminate extra tension on the jaw.
A beautifully straightened smile
Having a beautiful smile should never be underestimated! Sure, the cosmetics are great, but a stunning smile can also boost your self-esteem and help you feel confident. In more extreme cases, correcting a misaligned jaw can change the overall appearance of the face.
What options are available to straighten my smile?
Orthodontic technology has come a long way in recent years. Because of that, there are more options than ever to achieve a healthier, straighter smile. At Icon Orthodontics, we offer:
Traditional metal braces
Our doctors use traditional braces to correct crowded teeth, misaligned bites, and jaw problems. They can even help eliminate speech problems! Braces have changed a lot over the years and are smaller and more comfortable than ever. Now that’s something to smile about!
Traditional braces in Surprise and Glendale are metal brackets that mold around your teeth with a wire connecting them. They require periodic tightening to ensure that your teeth continue to straighten over time. Braces can ensure that you end up with the straight teeth you want. The results of braces will last a lifetime and will give you the confidence for which you have been looking.
Damon Smile Braces
The philosophy behind the Damon Smile is about more than the cutting edge technology incorporated into their braces, but an entirely new way of treating patients. Traditionally, old fashioned braces have been uncomfortable and may have required removal of otherwise healthy teeth or the use of clunky palate expanders to create space necessary to align teeth. Fast forward to modern times and we are able to create beautiful broad smiles using light, biological forces that harness the body’s natural ability to move teeth. What this means for you is:
- Less time and fewer appointments in the doctor’s office
- Improved dental and facial esthetics
- Greater comfort
- Shorter treatment times.
Clear aligners
Clear aligner treatment is a technique that straightens your teeth without braces, using a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-modeled to fit your teeth. The virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition your teeth into a smile you’ll be proud to show off.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign has no metal bands or wires to trap food and plaque. Maintaining a good oral hygiene program will also reduce the chances of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. Clear aligners from Icon Orthodontics will be much more comfortable than traditional metal bracket braces and can give you the same stunning results.
Clear braces
Clear braces at our Surprise and Glendale offices are designed to be less noticeable on your teeth than metal braces. Ceramic braces blend with the color of your teeth, giving you a treatment people may never notice. They’re smaller than ever and made of nearly invisible tooth-colored polycrystalline ceramic material.
Our doctors use ceramic braces to move teeth just as efficiently as metal braces, except the brackets, are clear, so they’re less noticeable. These ceramic options blend in well with your natural smile. Though they’re not completely invisible, and the brackets are about the same size and shape, they’re much less noticeable than metal braces.
Ceramic braces offer our Surprise and Glendale patients a discreet treatment option, but they can sometimes be slightly more fragile and more expensive than metal braces. Because of this, our doctors typically recommend them for older teen and adult patients.
Align your bite and transform your smile with Icon Orthodontics
If you’ve been experiencing the unpleasant side effects of a misaligned bite, we’re here for you! Our doctors have the knowledge and experience necessary to give you a healthier smile and a more aligned bite. Once you know the benefits of an aligned bite, we’re here for you to take the first step to correct any orthodontic issues. Contact our Surprise or Glendale office to schedule your free consultation and take back your smile!