Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws, often referred to as malocclusion. While a straight smile is a noticeable benefit, the fundamental reasons for treatment center on improving long-term health and the functional capacity of the bite. Treatment involves gradually moving teeth and sometimes modifying jaw growth to establish a proper relationship between the upper and lower dental arches. Braces and other appliances create a functional bite that promotes better chewing, clearer speech, and easier oral hygiene.
Correcting Jaw and Teeth Alignment Issues
The need for braces stems from structural irregularities in how teeth and jaws are positioned, often caused by genetic factors and environmental influences. Dental crowding occurs when there is insufficient space for permanent teeth, causing them to overlap or become crooked. Conversely, spacing results from missing teeth, abnormally small teeth, or a jawbone that is disproportionately large for the teeth.
Alignment problems often involve the vertical or horizontal relationship between the dental arches, known as a bite discrepancy. An overbite is a condition where the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. In contrast, an underbite involves the lower jaw protruding past the upper jaw, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed.
A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, rather than slightly outside, affecting single or multiple teeth. These discrepancies can be inherited or result from early childhood habits like prolonged thumb-sucking, which influence jaw development.
Improving Function and Comfort
Malocclusion affects the efficiency of daily oral functions, making eating and speaking more difficult. When teeth do not align properly, chewing becomes inefficient because the biting surfaces cannot break down food thoroughly. This compromised chewing can potentially lead to digestive issues if larger pieces of food are swallowed without being fully processed.
Speech clarity depends on the precise positioning of the tongue, lips, and teeth, which act as points of articulation. Malocclusions, such as an open bite where the front teeth do not touch, can allow air to escape improperly, leading to a lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds. Correcting the alignment normalizes the oral environment, providing the tongue with the proper contacts needed for clear articulation.
An imbalanced bite creates uneven pressure on the jaw joint, leading to discomfort and pain. This uneven stress on the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and surrounding muscles may contribute to symptoms associated with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). Correcting the bite alignment helps distribute forces evenly across the jaw, potentially alleviating chronic tension, headaches, and jaw clicking.
Preventing Long-Term Oral Health Complications
If alignment issues are left unaddressed, they compromise the long-term health of the teeth and supporting tissues. Misaligned, crowded, or overlapping teeth create hidden areas that are difficult to clean effectively with a toothbrush and floss. This difficulty significantly increases the risk of accumulating plaque and bacteria, which cause dental decay (cavities) and periodontal disease (gum disease).
The uneven distribution of biting forces is a serious consequence of a poor bite. When certain teeth collide prematurely or bear excessive pressure, it results in abnormal wear and tear on the enamel surface. This concentrated force may cause teeth to chip, crack, or experience premature erosion, potentially necessitating costly restorative procedures.
Protruding upper front teeth, often associated with a significant overjet, are particularly vulnerable to traumatic dental injuries. Since these teeth lack protective lip coverage, they are more susceptible to being fractured, dislodged, or damaged during falls or sports activities. Orthodontic treatment guides teeth into a stable position that minimizes future physical damage.
When Orthodontic Intervention is Recommended
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) advises that children have their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age seven. At this age, a child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing the orthodontist to assess the underlying jaw development and the eruption path of the remaining permanent teeth. This early assessment identifies potential skeletal or dental issues, such as a developing crossbite or severe crowding.
Early intervention does not always mean immediate braces, but it allows for interceptive treatment, such as a palatal expander, to guide proper jaw growth. While most comprehensive treatment occurs during adolescence, adults also benefit from orthodontic care to correct long-standing malocclusion. Seeking treatment as an adult addresses the same functional and health concerns as in younger patients.