Oral health has a significant impact on your entire health. Since the mouth is the body’s primary entryway, poor dental health can negatively impact the body. Malocclusion or misaligned teeth can cause tooth decay, difficulty chewing, and other gum-related issues. An orthodontist specializes in diagnosing and treating tooth and jaw problems. They are experts in treating existing and current issues related to teeth and jaw. Orthodontists treat patients of various ages, including children and adults.
If you plan to schedule an appointment, consult Alborzi orthodontics, the best orthodontist in San Mateo. Dr. Alexa Alborzi has helped over 8,500 people enhance their smiles since 2008, and they provide the best metal braces in Half Moon Bay.
What is the role of an Orthodontist?
In orthodontics, fixed and removable devices, such as braces, retainers, and bands, are used to correct the position of teeth. Such devices are used to correct dental problems such as:
- Crooked teeth
- Overbite or underbite problems
- Overcrowding or far-flung teeth
- A misaligned jaw
Healthy bites allow you to chew, eat, and speak properly. The term orthodontist used to be associated with children and teenagers with braces. However, orthodontics can treat dental problems of any age.
What to expect when visiting an Orthodontist?
During a typical checkup, the dentist first identifies crooked teeth. Accordingly, they may recommend that you consult an orthodontist when your back teeth don’t fit together correctly. During your initial orthodontic consultation, you will most likely experience:
- An oral examination
- Face and smile photographs
- Dental radiographs
- 360-degree panoramic X-rays of both head and face
These exams will help your orthodontist determine the procedure of your treatment. This will also help them understand which orthodontic techniques are most appropriate for you.
Signs you should consult an Orthodontist.
Here’s a list of the most common reasons people visit the orthodontist for the first time.
- Misaligned tooth
Several different types of misalignment can affect your teeth. The most prevalent forms are overbites, crossbites, underbites, and open bites. You can find more details on each below:
Overbite: An overbite is a vertical overlap of the upper and lower teeth. When the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth thoroughly (or mainly), this is called a deep overbite. These lower front teeth often cause damage to the gums and underlying bone when they bite on the gums behind the upper front teeth.
Underbite: If the front lower teeth are positioned in front of the upper teeth, it is called an underbite. There is often a prominent lower jaw, a small upper jaw, or both in this condition.
Crossbite: Whenever the top teeth fit inside the bottom teeth, it is called a crossbite. In a typical jaw relationship, the bottom teeth should always be located outside the top teeth. Crossbite can occur either with the front or back teeth, affecting chewing and biting.
Openbite: An open bite is present when the incisors (front teeth) are not overlapping vertically. The upper and lower front teeth are not aligned together while chewing when a person has an open bite. You can develop an open bite due to abnormal jaw growth or sucking your thumb or finger during childhood. An open bite can also be caused by a tongue thrust (when the tongue moves between the front teeth during swallowing).
- Mouth pain
If you experience jaw or mouth pain, you should consult an orthodontist. They are the best in determining the root cause of the problem and providing an adequate remedy.
- Tooth crowding
Orthodontic treatment is most commonly required when there is a crowding of the teeth. A variety of circumstances cause dental crowding, and a mismatch between the space and the size of the teeth is the most common cause. Crowding can also result in chewing problems.
- Speech Problems
If your child has trouble pronouncing specific phrases, it may be time to see an orthodontist. Though there are several causes for speech problems, one of them could be oral health.