For our practice, orthodontics is MUCH more than straight teeth. In many instances, orthodontic treatment can greatly improve the patients quality of life, not just their physical appearance. Below are some of the cases in which orthodontics can be life-changing.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call us to schedule a complimentary consultation to see if orthodontic treatment would be an option to alleviate the symptoms.
Millions of Americans suffer from chronic facial and neck pain as well as severe, recurring headaches. In some cases, this pain is due to Temporomandibular Disorder, also known as TMD.
Your temporomandibular joints, or TMJs, connect your lower jawbone to your skull. These joints get a lot of use throughout the day as you speak, chew, swallow and yawn. Pain in and around these joints can be unpleasant and may even restrict movement.
SYMPTOMS
- Pain in the jaw area
- Pain, ringing or stuffiness in the ears
- Frequent headaches or neck aches
- Clicking or popping sound when the jaw moves
- Muscle spasms in the jaw area
- A change in the alignment of top and bottom teeth
- Locked jaw or limited opening of the mouth.
Sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing stops periodically during sleep, as many as 20-30 times per hour. Each time you stop breathing in your sleep, the resulting lack of oxygen alerts your brains, which temporarily wakes you up to restart proper breathing. Since the time awake is so brief, most people with sleep apnea don’t realize they are not getting a good night’s sleep
The most common causes are obstructive tissues, such as enlarged tonsils, adenoids, turbinate bones (in the nose), or a deviated septum. Sometimes the case is lack of room for the tongue due to a narrow or recessive lower jaw. In this case, orthodontic treatment can help to significantly open their airway.
DAYTIME SIGNS OF SLEEP APNEA
- Mouth breathing
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Nasal speech
- Hyperactivity
NIGHTTIME SIGNS OF SLEEP APNEA
- Snoring
- Gasping
- Pauses in breathing
- Restless sleep