How Braces Fix Your Bite

How Braces Fix Your Bite

Braces were once primarily used for straightening crooked teeth. Once baby teeth were out and permanent teeth were in, an orthodontist could prescribe braces if those new teeth did not quite come in as they should. However, today braces are often used for fixing a bite and aligning the teeth at the same time.  A problematic bite can cause issues when chewing food or even when you talk. Misaligned bites have the potential to become serious problems if they are not taken care of as soon as possible like having tiny cracks in your teeth which can lead to premature tooth decay and cavities. A bite that is not properly lined up can also lead to your teeth and gums becoming weak regardless of how well you take care of them.

Other problems can occur with a misaligned bite. When the teeth are not lined up correctly, the jaw goes through a lot of torque every time you bite and most people bite a lot on a daily basis. This leads to a condition called temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) which often leads to chronic headaches. Some people do not even realize that their headaches are caused by their teeth and jaw. They will go to their doctors seeking relief when they should be going to an orthodontist.

So what do braces do for a poorly lined bite? For starters, they force your teeth to go where they belong so that when you bite down, the teeth are aligned. This means that when you bite your teeth down, they meet without any of the back and forth repetition in the jaw which is usually the cause of damage to your teeth. The braces are applied onto the teeth. Wires run through them to pull the teeth into proper alignment. If your bite is bad, very small rubber bands are placed around the braces so that every time you bite they will gingerly pull your bite into place whichever way it needs to be fixed. Not only does this have a significant effect on your bite over time, but it also programs your brain to bite properly and more effectively. This will also prevent unhealthy conditions later in life.

Everyone’s bite is different which means treatment varies from individual to individual. This is why it is important to get evaluated from an orthodontic professional. They can assess your bite and determine which course of treatment is best for you. They can apply the braces, tell you how to care for them and tighten them if necessary in order to fix your bite. If you are experiencing problems with your bite or have unexplained headaches, you will want to see an orthodontist right away. Go to www.diamondbraces.com for more information about how braces can help you. You can also schedule a free office visit.