Orthodontists are the experts when it comes to crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and all types of bite problems. As they improve your bite or reposition your jaws, they can also help you find relief from symptoms caused by problems such as sleep apnea. Read on to learn about the conditions that can improve with the services available at Glow Orthodontics.
Jaw pain
Orthodontists treat many causes of jaw pain, a problem that interferes with chewing and talking, and in some cases, prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep. A few common causes of jaw pain include teeth grinding, orthodontic conditions, and dental problems such as gum disease or an abscessed tooth. We specialize in the top treatments for jaw pain: braces, splints that fit over your teeth, oral appliances, and orthodontic surgery to repair structural problems.
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
You may not realize you grind your teeth because many patients do it while they sleep. You can also unconsciously grind your teeth while you’re awake. People who grind their teeth, knowingly or not, often develop headaches, earaches, and jaw, neck, or facial pain.
Teeth grinding also causes serious problems with your teeth. When it goes untreated, grinding can wear down the enamel and lead to fractured, chipped, and loose teeth. Teeth grinding is often caused by stress, anxiety, and an abnormal bite, which are all problems we frequently treat.
Interceptive orthodontics and growth modification
Growth modification is a type of classic orthodontic care, but it deserves a spot on this list because it’s a highly beneficial children’s orthodontic treatment that can prevent them from needing extensive orthodontics or jaw surgery when they get older.
Rather than waiting until the age of 12-14 when all the permanent teeth have grown in, interceptive orthodontics starts treatment around the age of 6-9 years. Growth modification treatments used at this age take advantage of the malleable bones that are still growing, making it easier to correct problems with the shape or width of the jawbone, as well as orthodontic challenges such as protruding teeth.
If you or your child needs help with any of these problems, call Glow Orthodontics, or schedule an appointment online.
