A Trusted Denver Orthodontist Can Treat Malocclusions the Correct Way

A malocclusion, i.e., a dental misalignment, is quite common. In fact, about 80 percent of all people worldwide suffer from this condition in some way or form. While the methods for treating malocclusions are quite varied, tooth extraction may not be as effective as was previously thought. Dr. German Ramirez-Yañe’s article for Dental Tribune talks about how removing teeth doesn’t really solve the problem and even increases the likelihood of a relapse.

Extractions might give enough space for tooth alignment and third-molar eruption if present; however, teeth are moved into a theoretical ideal position, which is not necessarily a natural, nor a stable position. So, professionals treating malocclusion use a retainer at the end of active treatment (which needs to be in place for a long period), expecting that the cranio-cervico-mandibular system will adapt to this non-physiological situation. But this does not occur in most cases.

He adds that the best way to treat malocclusions is to improve oral function while readjusting the facial muscles toward a more natural state. To this end, a trusted Denver orthodontist such as Dr. Charles Reed of the Cody Dental Group can offer straightforward solutions. These include state-of-the-art clear Invisalign braces and self-ligating Damon System braces. With either treatment option, people can get their crooked teeth literally straightened out in a single, brief appointment.

Malocclusions fall under three different classes. Class 1 malocclusion, the most common, occurs when the upper teeth are slightly misaligned with the lower teeth. Class 2, on the other hand, occurs when the upper teeth and jaw are severely overlapping the lower parts. Class 3, meanwhile, is the opposite of Class 2, such that the lower teeth and jaw protrude instead.

Experts from the Denver Area Agency on Aging maintain that while misaligned teeth are mainly a cosmetic problem, severe malocclusions can lead to breathing problems among seniors. Meanwhile, other experts believe that malocclusion is most likely the result of genetics and/or certain childhood habits like thumb sucking and drinking from milk bottles. At any rate, patients can count on an experienced Denver orthodontist like Dr. Reed to treat malocclusion using proven effective methods.

(Source: Treating the cause of malocclusions, not the consequence, Dental Tribune, September 25, 2014)