Orthodontic malocclusions are one of the most common problems affecting orthodontic patients today. Malocclusions are the misalignment of your jaw, preventing your upper and lower jaws from resting in relation to one another as they ideally should. In severe cases, surgery is performed to fix this issue, but for most people, braces and orthodontic treatment will be enough to take care of the misalignment issue.
People with malocclusions might not even realize they’re experiencing any abnormality unless they’ve consulted with an orthodontist. However, if you’re prone to sleep apnea, difficulty chewing food or occasionally speaking, you might be dealing with a malocclusion and not even know it. This can be a tough realization to get past, but thankfully there are a number of treatment options available that can help get your jaw set to perfection.
Types Of Malocclusions And How They Affect The Jaw
Malocclusions present themselves in three different ways, each of which vary in severity and to an extent, treatment approach. The three ways malocclusions are classified are:
- Class 1 – an overbite in which your upper jaw overlaps your lower jaw
- Class 2 – an overbite where the upper jaw so extremely sticks out over your lower jaw that requires early orthodontic intervention
- Class 3 – classified as an underbite, where your lower teeth jut out past your upper teeth or a crossbite, where some of your upper and lower teeth both stick out past each other.
No matter which class of malocclusion you are dealing with, the frustration of issues such as chewing or speaking without ease, let alone any appearance flaw, is reason enough to pursue orthodontic treatment to correct the issue.
Orthodontic Techniques For Repositioning The Jaw
Orthodontists have several techniques that they can use to reposition the jaw and correct misalignment. These techniques may include the use of braces, headgear, or other appliances to gently apply pressure to the jaw over time. If your child is experiencing any type of jaw malocclusion, he or she would very likely benefit from wearing braces or having a palatal expander, since his or her jaw is still growing. These options might seem intimidating for young ones, but they are nowhere near as intense in operation or recovery as jaw surgery would be for an adult.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to reposition the jaw, but this is typically only done in severe cases or when other methods have been unsuccessful. In addition to these techniques, orthodontists may also recommend certain exercises or lifestyle changes to help support jaw repositioning and ensure optimal results.
Choosing The Right Orthodontic Treatment For Jaw Repositioning
When considering different treatment options, it is important to consult with an orthodontist who has experience in jaw repositioning and can assess the specific needs of the patient. Some factors that may be taken into consideration when selecting the best treatment option include the severity of the misalignment, the age of the patient, the overall health of the teeth and gums, and the patient’s individual goals and preferences.
In some cases, a combination of different treatment methods may be recommended in order to achieve the best possible results. It is important for patients to discuss all of their options with their orthodontist and carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of each before making a decision.
Contact Your Fort Worth Orthodontist Today
Choosing the right orthodontic treatment for jaw repositioning is an important decision that can have a significant impact on the success of the treatment and the overall health and function of your mouth. Choosing the right orthodontist to trust with your orthodontic treatment is no small task either. It is important to choose someone who has a good reputation, not only in treating orthodontic issues, but with patients as well. Dr. Barron and the team at Ahava Orthodontics are proud to treat patients with as much care and intentionality as they would treat their own families. Give the office a call today at 817-926-9777 to schedule your consultation so Dr. Barron can get to work helping you feel and look your best!