Common Causes of Orthodontic Problems

What are the effects of grinding and clenching teeth? 

Grinding or clenching teeth, or bruxism, is a common orthodontic issue. Many people grind their teeth at night, resulting in sore jaws and muscles that are too tense. This can develop into chronic toothaches and jaw pain if it is left untreated. It can cause damage to your teeth, crowns or any other kind of restoration done. If your teeth are especially weak or sensitive, it is more prone to damage. Once enamel is severely eroded, it cannot be restored to the way it was before. Some ways to treat grinding and clenching issues include bite guards, which prevent the jaws from constantly moving and reduce tension.

How does an orthodontist fix overcrowding?

When there are too many teeth in one area, it points to an overcrowding issue. When you have overcrowding, there is not enough room for each individual tooth. Some teeth might be growing against another tooth or in the wrong direction. Overcrowding can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. It can prevent a person from being able to chew or eat without experiencing pain. To treat overcrowding, an orthodontist may have to extract excess teeth or teeth that are pressing against another tooth. For other cases, braces can correct any overcrowding issues that do not require the teeth to be extracted.

What are common bite problems?

A proper bite is one where the upper and lower jaw are able to close normally, with both sets of teeth connecting with each other in alignment. Common bite problems include an overbite and underbite. When the upper jaw extends further than the lower one, it is regarded as an overbite, while the reverse issue is an underbite. Overbites tend to be more common in patients, while underbites are usually hereditary. Bite issues can make it difficult to move the jaw properly, and it can be hard to chew or eat, and in some cases can cause tension headaches. Bite problems can usually be fixed with braces, retainers, and aligners, as an Orange County orthodontist like one at John Redmond Orthodontics knows.

Can eating tough food cause jaw issues?

Some types of food can contribute to orthodontic problems, and can make it uncomfortable to eat. Food that is too tough and difficult to chew for example, can result in strain and jaw pain because the muscles end up being sore. People who have smaller jaws or are prone to experiencing jaw pain should avoid constantly eating foods that require a lot of chewing, such as certain meats. Chewing more slowly can also help to decrease jaw pain and reduce tension in the mouth. Eat foods with a variety of textures and that are softer so that they are easier to chew.

What are orthodontic issues caused by personal injury accidents? 

A serious accident can cause damage to the jaw and joints in it, such as a high-impact sports injury or a devastating car accident. The jaw can become dislocated or suffer blunt force trauma, and your teeth can become misaligned. Orthodontists can treat these injuries through treatments such as aligners, wires, and surgery. These injuries are serious, and they can take time to recover. If you have recently been in an accident that has resulted in trauma to your jaw, you may need to see an orthodontist so that they can examine your injury and develop a suitable treatment plan.