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Facts about Orthodontics
 Most bad bites are inherited, but
some are acquired. Inherited problems include crowding of teeth,
too much space between teeth, extra or missing teeth, cleft
palate and a wide variety of other irregularities of the jaws
and face. Acquired malocclusions ( bad bites) can be caused
by thumb or finger sucking, tongue thrusting, the airway being
restricted by tonsils or adenoids, dental disease, or premature
loss of primary or permanent teeth. Whether inherited or acquired,
many of these problems affect not only alignment of the teeth
but facial appearance as well. Everyone wants a beautiful broad
smile and everyone ought to have a healthy one. My goal is to
achieve both for my patients. Crooked and crowded teeth are
hard to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions
which cause not only tooth decay but eventual gum disease and
tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems can cause abnormal wear
of tooth surfaces, excess stress on supporting bone and gum
tissue, or misalignment of the jaw joints with resultant chronic
headaches or pains in the face or neck. When left untreated,
many orthodontic problems become worse. The importance of an
attractive smile should not be underestimated. A pleasing appearance
is a vital asset to one's self-confidence. A person's self-esteem
often improves as treatment brings teeth, lips, and face into
harmony. In this way, orthodontic treatment can be beneficial
to social and career success as well as improve one's general
attitude toward life.
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