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
The trusted orthodontists of Frugé Orthodontics strive to positively impact our patients' lives with our orthodontic treatment options. Orthodontic treatment can address a multitude of issues that include malocclusions (misalignment), TMJ disorders and jaw pain, and sleep apnea. Here are a few other common cases where orthodontic treatment may be necessary:
- Speech Impediments: Certain orthodontic issues, such as severe underbites or overbites, can affect speech clarity. Through proper correction, orthodontic treatments can improve speech patterns and communication skills.
- Chewing and Digestive Problems: A malocclusion or misaligned teeth can affect digestion by making chewing inefficient. Properly aligned teeth can help improve a patient’s chewing and digestive function.
- Gum Disease and Dental Hygiene: Crowded or misaligned teeth can make proper teeth cleaning a challenge, which increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. As a result of orthodontic treatment, surfaces become more accessible for cleaning, allowing for better oral hygiene.
- Facial Asymmetry: When severe misalignments occur, they affect the overall appearance of the face. It is possible to restore facial harmony by using orthodontic treatment to correct these imbalances.
- Self-Esteem and Confidence: Crooked or misaligned teeth can affect a person's self-esteem. With the help of orthodontic treatment, patients can improve their self-image with a beautiful, healthy smile. Early treatment of orthodontic issues can prevent more serious dental issues in the future, saving patients from discomfort and extensive treatment.
Frugé Orthodontics provides orthodontic consultations to patients across Baton Rouge, Livonia, Denham Springs, and Gonzales. We are here to discuss patients’ specific concerns and determine whether orthodontic treatment is suitable for their needs. With each case being unique, our qualified orthodontists and our knowledgeable staff tailor our treatment plans to each patient. If you or your child are in need of orthodontic treatment, contact the experts of Frugé Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment!