I often hear patients rejecting orthodontics because they are not concerned about the cosmetics of their smile. On the other end of the spectrum, I also get patients asking to improve their smile by moving their teeth.
As a dentist, we love to help you create a beautiful smile! However, moving your teeth, whether it’s with braces or Invisalign, is about more than just improving your smile.
The definition of orthodontics is the treatment of irregularities in the teeth (especially of alignment and occlusion) and jaws, including the use of braces.
Moving your teeth is actually a way to fix your bite and prevent damage to your teeth. When your teeth are not in the right position, they may hit traumatically against each other. They may hit in such a way that it damages the enamel causing cracks in the teeth.
When teeth are not properly aligned it can also cause abnormal wearing of the enamel in areas that are not meant to wear. This will often appear as cracks and chips on the teeth. You may also see it as gum recession and enamel that has broken away at the gumline of the tooth. Over time, the teeth become more sensitive. You may have heard the term “long in the tooth” and this refers to gums receding with age.
Next time you see the dentist, ask them to check your bite as well. You may be surprised with what you find!
Find out if you’re a good candidate for braces or Invisalign. Schedule a consultation with Fort Lauderdale dentist Dr. Charmaine Johnson at the Premier Smile Center.
