Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz, CA
Crooked teeth affect more than just your smile. They also can lead to malocclusion, also known as misaligned bite. There are several ways to correct these bite misalignment problems, but one of the traditional methods actually can do more harm than good over the long term.
One of the traditional orthodontic treatments for malocclusion is to extract problem teeth but can often have negative consequences. Although extracting a tooth creates more space for the crooked or crowded teeth in the short term, removing or losing otherwise healthy teeth can hinder the development and function of the jaw and the face. The jaw narrows and can be left incapable of fulfilling its obligations to the rest of the body. This narrowing of the jaw also can affect the airway, making a person more vulnerable to developing a sleep breathing disorder such as sleep apnea. Temporomandibular joint issues (TMD) also can develop—a disorder that is on the rise, with more than 3 million new TMD cases reported each year in the United States.
There are advantages to using a neuromuscular approach in orthodontics. Neuromuscular orthodontics addresses problems with both the teeth and bite, while also maintaining control over the intended muscle position and maintaining ideal alignment of the jaw. Braces, for example, can be used to expand the upper jaw to avoid tooth extraction. This approach encourages long-term successful function for the mouth, while also facilitates a continued open airway.
Neuromuscular orthodontics also makes use of removable functional appliances. These appliances, which are different from traditional orthodontic metal braces, encourage stronger arches in the mouth while also addressing potential issues with airway, tongue posture, tooth position, jaw position or any other existing issues with the head and neck.
If you or a member of your family needs braces or is dealing with problems related to a misaligned bite, call the Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry office at (831) 438-4411 to learn more about the benefits of neuromuscular orthodontics.
Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry is proud to serve patients located in the California communities of Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley.