Having Jaw Pain? The Importance of Teeth Alignment

Why Do My Teeth Need To Be Aligned?

The only reason people get braces is to improve their smile, right? Wrong! Occlusion, or the alignment of your teeth, is a crucial factor in the health and functionality of your entire mouth. It may not seem like anything more than a cosmetic issue, but malocclusion (misaligned teeth) can cause jaw pain, difficulty eating, jaw popping and more. Your mouth is a finely tuned digestive organ and even the slightest issue with teeth alignment could cause big problems.

Dr. Cox wants to make sure every Lebanon resident knows that a properly aligned bite is about more than just looks. There are many options for correcting your bite, including full TMJ treatment or even simple night guards! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us! We at Advanced Dental are dedicated to your oral health and we will do whatever we can to make sure you have a happy, healthy mouth!

Is My Bite Properly Aligned?

Beyond any obvious teeth sticking out of place, it may be difficult for you to determine on your own whether not your teeth are properly aligned. Almost everyone has a little bit of malocclusion, but it is not always a serious problem that interferes with chewing or closing your mouth. If your jaw hurts, Dr. Cox can tell you exactly what is wrong with your bite and help you fix it. Below is a list of symptoms that Lebanon residents may experience from having misaligned teeth:

• Toothaches
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Jaw pain
• Jaw popping or clicking
• Difficulty or discomfort biting, chewing, or closing the mouth

Why Aren’t My Teeth Straight?

If your teeth are improperly aligned, don’t feel bad. Very few people in Lebanon are born with a perfect set of teeth and most people need some form of orthodontic therapy. There are many causes of malocclusion, but one of the biggest factors is genetics. Mouth shapes, jaw shapes, and the size and position of teeth are passed down through generations of families. As such, you are likely to find that you share some alignment characteristics, such as uneven spaces between teeth or overcrowding. In addition to genetics, there are number of changes in your mouth that can influence the alignment of your teeth. Here are a few examples:

• Losing a tooth
• Chipping a tooth
• Injuring your jaw
• Dental work, i.e. crowns, bridges, fillings
• Orthodontic appliances (braces, retainers)
  

Treating a Misaligned Bite or Jaw Pain

Every time you visit Advanced Dental, we will carefully examine your bite to make sure that your upper and lower teeth fit together well and both respective rows are functioning properly. As always, feel free to tell Dr. Cox if you have any concerns about your bite. There are a plethora of treatments ranging from fixed appliances, to veneers, to minimal filings of protruding points. Whatever your alignment needs may be, we will work with you to craft a solution that meets your needs. Call Advanced Dental today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a perfect smile!

Sources

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001058.htm

http://damonbraces.com/choose/why-braces.php