Luckily, orthodontics can help to correct facial asymmetry and improve the symmetry of your smile. But how does it work? Let’s take a closer look.

What Causes Facial Asymmetry?

Facial asymmetry can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Misaligned teeth or jaws
• Birth defects
• The early loss of baby teeth
• Habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
• Trauma to the face or jaw
• Infection or tumors in the mouth or jaw area

How Can Orthodontists Help Facial Asymmetry?

Orthodontics can help to correct facial asymmetry in a number of ways, depending on the underlying cause of the facial asymmetry.

Some common treatments for facial asymmetry include:

Braces or  Invisalign®

By aligning the teeth and jaws, braces can help to improve the symmetry of your smile. In some cases, headgear may also be used to correct severe cases of misalignment.

Palatal Expanders

Palatal expanders are devices that are used to gradually widen the upper jaw. This treatment is often used for patients who have narrow upper jaws, which can cause facial asymmetry.

Surgery

In some cases, orthognathic surgery may be necessary to correct severe cases of misaligned teeth and jaws. This type of surgery is usually reserved for patients who have not had success with other forms of treatment.

Types of Facial Asymmetry That Orthodontists Treat

Orthodontists can help with a wide variety of facial asymmetries. Here we will discuss four of the most common:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite

Orthodontic Treatment For Overbite

Orthodontists commonly treat patients with overbites, but the severity of the overbite will dictate the orthodontic treatment required to correct it. Many people have some degree of an overbite, which is when the upper teeth protrude further out than the lower teeth. In some cases, an overbite can be caused by genetics, but it can also be the result of thumb-sucking or other habits during childhood.

An overbite can impact both the appearance of your smile and your oral health. For instance, people with an overbite are more likely to experience gum problems and tooth wear. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment can help to correct an overbite and improve your oral health. If you’re concerned about your overbite, talk to our orthodontist here at Bluebird Orthodontics about treatment options.

If you have a mild overbite, braces or aligners can be used to gradually move your teeth into proper alignment. However, if you have a severe overbite, orthodontics may not be able to completely correct it. In severe cases, surgery may be required to realign the jaws.

Overall, orthodontics can be an effective treatment for an overbite, but the best way to treat your overbite will depend on the severity of your condition.

Orthodontic Treatment For Underbite

An underbite is a common orthodontic condition in which the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw. This can cause the teeth to overlap, making it difficult to bite and chew properly. Underbites can also lead to speech issues and damage to the teeth.

There are several different types of underbites, and they can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, injury, or misalignment of the jaws. Treatment for an underbite typically involves orthodontic braces or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.

There are a few different ways that orthodontics can be used to correct an underbite, and the best option will depend on the severity of the problem. In some cases, orthodontic treatment can be used to simply move the teeth into a better position.

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the alignment of the jaw. However, orthodontists commonly help patients to improve the appearance of an underbite and make it easier to eat and speak.

Orthodontic Treatment For Crossbite

If you have a crossbite, it means that your teeth don’t line up the way they’re supposed to. Your upper teeth should sit slightly in front of your lower teeth, but with a crossbite, your upper teeth sit behind your lower teeth. This can happen on just one side of your mouth or on both sides.

Crossbites can happen in the front or back of your mouth and can even involve your jaw. If you have a crossbite, you might not even realize it because it’s often something that develops slowly. However, there are some signs you can look for, such as difficulty chewing or biting down properly, mouth pain, jaw pain, teeth that are worn down or chipped, and gaps between your teeth.

Orthodontic treatment for a crossbite can help to improve the function and appearance of your teeth. Orthodontists can help to correct these issues. In some cases, braces may be used to gradually move the teeth into their proper position. In other cases, orthodontic appliances may be used to expand the upper jaw and align the teeth. Orthodontic treatment can take several months or even years to complete, but the results are well worth it. A healthy, beautiful smile is something that you will be able to enjoy for a lifetime.

Orthodontic Treatment for Open Bite

Orthodontists use braces, retainers, and other appliances to align teeth and jaws in order to improve someone’s bite and smile, including those with an open bite. While orthodontics can be used to treat a wide range of dental issues, one of the most common problems that orthodontists see is an open bite.

An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed. This can be caused by a number of different factors, including thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, or clenching/grinding the teeth.

In some cases, an open bite may also be due to genetics. Orthodontic treatment is usually very successful in correcting an open bite. Our orthodontist will create a custom treatment plan based on the individual’s needs. This may involve wearing braces or other appliances for several months to a couple of years. Our orthodontist will work closely with you so you can achieve a straighter, healthier smile.

Conclusion

If you’re concerned about facial asymmetry, don’t despair! Orthodontic treatment can go a long way in correcting the problem and giving you a more symmetrical smile. If you’re interested in learning more about how orthodontics can help you achieve facial harmony, schedule your free consultation with our board-certified orthodontist at Bluebird Orthodontics!

The post Can Orthodontics Fix Facial Asymmetry? first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.

Six Reasons Adults Start Orthodontic Treatment

Maybe you didn’t have them as a teenager, or maybe your teeth have shifted over time. Whatever the reason, adult braces can be a great way to improve your smile. And with advances in orthodontic technology, adult braces are now more comfortable and discreet than ever before. In this article, we explore six reasons why adults start orthodontic treatment.

They Never Had Them As Children

One of the most common reasons why adults opt for braces is simple: they weren’t able to get them as children. Maybe their family couldn’t afford it or maybe their teeth just weren’t ready at the time.

Now that they’re adults and have the means to pay for it themselves, they’re finally getting the chance to correct their smile. And that’s something to be excited about!

Orthodontic Relapse

One of the most common complaints orthodontists hear from adults is that their teeth have started to relapse, or move back out of alignment. In many cases, this can be traced back to a failure to wear a retainer after braces are removed when they had them earlier in life.

When braces are first removed, the teeth are still in a fragile state and need to be supported in order to maintain their new position. Wearing a retainer helps to keep the teeth in place while they continue to settle into their new positions.

However, retainers must be worn as directed by your orthodontist in order to be effective. For best results, we recommend wearing a retainer for at least 12 hours per day for the first year after braces are removed.

After that, you can switch to wearing your retainer at night only. If you don’t wear your retainer as directed, your teeth may start to shift out of alignment again. So if you want to keep your smile looking its best, make sure to wear your retainer as directed!

Before A Big Event

Your wedding day. Your high school reunion. Your first date in years. Big events can be nerve-wracking enough without having to worry about your teeth. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, adult braces may be the perfect solution for you.

Straighter teeth not only look great, but they’re also easier to keep clean – meaning you can flash those pearly whites with confidence. And there’s no need to worry about adult braces being too noticeable – today’s options are smaller and more discreet than ever before. So if you’re looking to boost your confidence for a big event, adult braces may be the way to go.

Professional Reasons

Another common reason why adults get braces is because they want to improve their appearance for professional reasons. In today’s professional world, first impressions are more important than ever, and having straight teeth can help show others that you care about your oral health. If you’re looking to make a good impression, straight teeth can definitely help.

Correct A Facial Asymmetry

Any adult who wishes to improve the appearance of their teeth should consider straightening them. Not only can this help to create a more symmetrical appearance, but it can also make your teeth appear larger and your smile more attractive.

In addition, straightening your teeth can also help to improve your oral health. When teeth are properly aligned, it is easier to brush and floss them effectively, which reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Improve Self Esteem

Finally, many adults simply want to feel better about themselves. Whether your teeth have always bothered you or you’ve started to notice them shifting as you age, wearing braces can increase your confidence and help you feel better about your smile.

There’s no need to feel self-conscious about your smile as an adult. More and more adults are opting for braces to achieve the straight teeth they’ve always wanted. And with improvements in clear treatment options such as Invisalign aligners, most people won’t even know you’ve started treatment! And what’s not to love about that?

Types of Braces For Adults

Just because you’re not a teenager anymore doesn’t mean you’re too old for braces! In fact, adult braces are becoming more and more common. There are a variety of different types of braces that can be used to straighten teeth, and your orthodontist will help you choose the best option for your situation.

Metal Braces

Metal braces are the most common type of braces, and they are also the most affordable. However, they are also the most visible. If you’re looking for a more discreet option, clear or ceramic braces may be a better choice.

Clear Braces

Clear braces use clear brackets that blend in with your teeth, making them much less noticeable. They still work in the same way as traditional metal braces but are just much less visible, especially at a distance.

Invisalign®

For adults who are concerned about the appearance of their braces, invisible aligners such as Invisalign® may be the best option. These aligners are made from clear plastic and are practically invisible when worn.

Conclusion

If you’re an adult considering braces, know that you’re definitely not alone! More and more adults are correcting their smiles with braces every day, and there are a number of reasons why.

Whether you didn’t have the chance to get them as a child or you want to improve your appearance for your big day, braces can have a big impact on your life. So don’t wait—if you’re considering braces, now is the perfect time to take the plunge! Call our offices today at Bluebird Orthodontics to set up your free consultation.

The post You’re Never Too Old for Braces! 6 Reasons Adults Start Braces first appeared on Bluebird Orthodontics.