Last Updated on October 29, 2017 by Guest Post

UPDATED – 29-10-17

Many patients visiting our Manhattan Beach orthodontics facility in California wonder about the additional benefits of wearing braces besides reducing gaps and straightening their teeth. First, everyone needs to know that there is a variety of custom-made dental appliances available at an orthodontics office.

Orthodontia Devices Do More than Straighten Misaligned Teeth

While most individuals are familiar with clear plastic aligners that are advertised on television frequently, there are also other types of dental appliances meant to straighten teeth along with other health conditions that are present at birth or develop as the body and face grow. Thus, the best way to determine the type of dental appliance needed to repair malocclusions in your mouth is by having a complete examination from a knowledgeable orthodontist.

Dental Appliances can Improve Several Abnormal Facial Conditions

Orthodontics is the oldest specialty in dentistry with a focus on dental professionals solving problems with a patient’s mouth, teeth or facial structure by using an assortment of orthodontic treatment options. For individuals with congenital abnormalities or growth disorders, wearing dental appliances can improve the quality of their life by changing the shape of the jaw or increasing the size of the mouth, making it easier to speak and swallow. A few of the medical or health conditions requiring orthodontics include:

• Cleft palates – a congenital condition present at birth
• Cleft lips – often combined with cleft palates
• Dwarfism – a type of growth disorder that often lasts a lifetime
• Tumors – benign or cancerous that changes the structure of the mouth or face
• Trauma injuries – explosions, vehicular accidents or burns affecting the face
• Temporomandibular joint disorder – condition causing sensitivity in the jaw joint
• Bruxism or teeth grinding – occurs while sleeping causing pain and enamel damage
• Facial abnormalities – unusual conditions such as large or small jawbones

Reducing an Individual’s Discomfort and Improving Speech

Firstly, most people think that the only orthodontic treatment available is for reducing large gaps or repositioning teeth that are too close together. Occasionally, dental appliances are also designed to push one or more teeth slowly and gently into an upright position. Teeth that jut out diagonally or horizontally against the tongue or facial cheeks cause intense pain with chronic blisters and bleeding, making daily living excruciating for patients. Having poor dental alignment or facial structure can make it difficult for someone to consume food, drink beverages or talk properly. Consequently, a child with teeth in the wrong positions is unable to use the tongue correctly against dental surfaces to make sounds to speak correctly, leading to garbled words or a lisp.

Improving a Patient’s Mental and Emotional Health

Protruding or abnormal dental structures in the mouth cause people to isolate from others due to embarrassment while talking and eating. Lack of socialization can cause someone to have emotional or mental health issues such as depression or low self-esteem. Therefore, children and teenagers with abnormalities of the teeth, face, and mouth often feel unhappy about their appearance, leading to avoiding fun activities. Unfortunately, a child with a serious dental issue is also more likely to experience bullying from other children at school or in their neighborhood. There are several specialized conditions that orthodontics can correct in children, teenagers, and adults such as:

• Over & Underbite – when teeth in the lower jaw overlap teeth in the upper jaw
• Open bite – when there is a space between the upper and lower teeth
• Cross bite – one or more teeth in poor alignment with the tongue or facial cheeks
• Deep bite – upper teeth hitting the gum tissue in the lower jaw

Correcting Congenital Abnormalities

When an infant or toddler has a cleft palate or lip condition, orthodontic treatment must begin right away to permit the child to consume liquids and solid food. The palate or roof of the mouth may have openings or abnormalities that require a customized appliance to allow drinking milk without having difficulties breathing. If the mouth of the infant is too small, then specialized headgear is required to enlarge the space. At the same time, a child with this congenital abnormality requires one or more surgical procedures to correct the condition. This means that an orthodontist works closely with plastic and cosmetic surgeons to improve a child’s facial appearance and function.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

Orthodontics is also recommended to make oral care easier for patients because teeth are in the correct positions and the mouth is easier to open and close. Therefore, an individual with poorly aligned teeth or improper facial structure is more likely to develop the periodontal disease that causes inflammation in the soft and hard tissues of the mouth. The best way to prevent gingivitis, cavities and infected dental roots is by brushing and flossing teeth at least twice a day to remove food debris. When teeth are in the wrong positions, it is impossible for an individual to reach certain areas to remove plaque that leads to tooth decay and bad breath.

What’s the Bottom Line?

In conclusion, you will enjoy visiting a facility with an orthodontist who loves to treat an assortment of conditions. State of the art equipment and dental appliances designed to improve congenital abnormalities, trauma injuries or chronic conditions. There are several types of modern dental appliances available, including:

• Wild smile brackets – bright colors and designs
• Aesthetic dental appliances – made to match tooth enamel
• Self-ligating dental appliances – made without rubber straps or bands
• Lingual devices – placed on the back of teeth
• Invisalign – clear aligners made for adults and teenagers

Find Out More About Manhattan Beach Orthodontics Today

If you’re interested in straightening your teeth or would like to learn more ways to help keep them healthy, contact Beach Braces. The right team of orthodontic specialists in Manhattan Beach to help you achieve that beautiful smile.

Dr. Panucci at Beach Braces
1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Suite B, Manhattan Beach,
CA 90266
TEL: 310-379-0006

[Besides Straight Teeth] What are the Benefits of Braces?

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Dr Patricia Panucci

Dr Patti Panucci attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for four years, where she graduated with a DMD degree (May 2000) among the Top 10 in her class. Following that, she headed west to Los Angeles to complete her three-year residency at one of the top-ranked orthodontic programs in the country – the University of Southern California.

Along with her certificate in orthodontics, Dr. Panucci earned a master’s degree in craniofacial biology. During those three years, she fell in love with Southern California beach life and decided that this was where her future lay.