Many people think that the field of orthodontics is just about improving the look of one’s smile, but in reality, undergoing orthodontic treatment can actually do more than just improve the aesthetic qualities of your teeth. Make sure you understand the importance of orthodontic treatment by reading over this article about the dental problems that can arise due to poor tooth positioning .

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Worsening Malocclusion
Oral malocclusions or “bad bites” occur when the teeth are misaligned. Common types of malocclusions include overbites, in which the upper front teeth extend too far down over the front bottom teeth; underbites, where the bottom front teeth protrude past the top upper teeth; and misplaced midlines, in which the center line between the top and bottom front teeth are not centered. Additional types of malocclusions include crossbites, open bites, spacing, and overly crowded teeth. Individuals who do not seek orthodontic treatment for these problems during the early stages are at risk for worsening malocclusion over time, as the teeth will continue to shift and increase the level of malocclusion.

Bite and Jaw Abnormalities
As the level of malocclusion worsens, individuals may experience abnormalities of their bite and jaw position. This may not only lead to problems while eating or speaking, but can also cause the jawbone to grow abnormally and increase the risk of temporomandibular joint disorders.

Tooth Decay and Periodontal Disease
Poorly positioned or overly crowded teeth are much harder to keep clean than straight teeth. This means that individuals with untreated oral malocclusions have a higher chance of developing cavities between the teeth and periodontal disease, both of which can lead to pain and eventual tooth loss.

Don’t let oral malocclusions interfere with your dental health. Learn more about your orthodontic treatment options by contacting Park Avenue orthodontist, Dr. David Seligman with Seligman Orthodontics, at (646) 681-8516 today! You can also visit us online for more information on Invisalign and Damon clear braces.