At Lifetime Orthodontics, we take pride in transforming smiles in our community and adore watching people’s happiness improve in conjunction with their smiles. How do we do that, you might wonder? By fixing bad bites!
What is a bad bite (malocclusion)?
In orthodontics, your bite is defined as how your top and bottom teeth align or fit together when you close your mouth.
Bad bites are known by different names, depending on what is wrong. An overbite is when your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth too much. An overjet is when your upper teeth protrude (stick out) past your lower teeth. In contrast, an underbite is when your lower front teeth stick out past your upper front teeth. An open bite is when your upper and lower teeth don’t come together when you are biting all the way down. A crossbite is when your upper teeth fit inside your lower teeth.
Fortunately, as a Clinton Township orthodontist, we have comfortable treatment options to get your bite where it needs to be.
How can Lifetime Orthodontics help?
We offer several treatment options to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
Metal Braces
This treatment option has transformed smiles for years, but don’t think it’s outdated! Metal braces are continuously updated as new technology is released to give you the most comfortable experience and stunning results possible. How do wires, brackets, and ligatures adjust your teeth? With wire adjustments! Metal braces, when used by an Orthodontist, are known for fixing even the most complex orthodontic issues thanks to their ability to handle more pressure than other treatment options. This treatment option does require you to adjust your diet and oral hygiene routine accordingly.
Invisalign
If you prefer an option that allows for more freedom in your day, clear aligners are removable, custom-made transparent trays. Their snug fit and clear design make them almost invisible to onlookers, so you can improve your bite without anyone knowing.
With their exclusive technology, and the knowledge and skill of the Orthodontist, treatment can conclude in as little as six months! Invisalign also offers accessories to help with jaw alignment.
Dr. Wesley uses Invisalign for children, teens, and adults who want minimal changes to their routines.
Clear Braces
Some patients might not qualify for Invisalign due to the severity of their bite needs, or they want to avoid such an active role in their care (remembering to wear trays or keep up with them).If that sounds like you, but you are deterred from starting treatment because you don’t like the aesthetic of metal braces, consider clear braces.
Clear braces have all the characteristics of metal braces except one — they do not use metal brackets! Instead, they use tooth-colored ceramic brackets that create the illusion of clear braces when paired with matching ligatures. Clear braces can use the same orthodontic accessories as metal braces.
Why should you consider orthodontic treatment?
Because your teeth and jaw alignment define your bite, a poor bite can negatively impact your quality of life. We strongly recommend that you get your bite examined and treated as soon as possible because most issues caused by a poor alignment will worsen over time, making them more uncomfortable and expensive to fix.
Some side effects of a malocclusion (bad bite) include:
- Difficulty chewing, which increases the risk of choking, vitamin deficiency, and digestive issues like heartburn.
- Suffering from migraines and neck pain
- Having trouble breathing caused by narrow air passageways
- Being forced to breathe through the mouth
- Developing temporary or permanent dry mouth
- Suffering from sleep apnea or snoring, which can leave you feeling exhausted during the day
- Developing temporary or permanent TMJ issues
- Having bad breath
- Having difficulty with oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, etc)
- Unwanted influence on a child’s facial structure as they get older
- Having abnormal wear and tear on the teeth that strip the enamel and cause tooth chipping
- Having an increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease, infection, and mouth sores
- Developing a speech impediment
- Suffering from pain when speaking
- Low self-esteem
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cosmetic Insecurities
These are just some of the things that orthodontic care can drastically improve, affecting your life, lifestyle, and overall health. If you have symptoms not listed here, please bring them up to Dr. Wesley so he can be sure your treatment will address all your concerns.
For the best results, visit Lifetime Orthodontics!
The sooner you begin treatment, the sooner you can have the beautiful, functional, pain-free smile you deserve!
To begin your or your family’s orthodontic journey, contact one of our two conveniently located offices to schedule a free in-person consultation! Or, if you prefer, you can click here to schedule a virtual consult.
We look forward to meeting you and your family and providing all of you with the top-notch orthodontic treatment we are known for!