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Who Needs Orthodontics and Why?

December 27, 2020
Posted By: Jerger Pediatric Dentistry Staff
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Who Needs Orthodontics in Decatur, IL?

Orthodontics in Decatur, IL help to straighten your teeth and correct a bad bite. If your teeth are crooked, crowded inside your mouth, protrude from your mouth, or do not meet correctly to create a good bite, an orthodontist can use braces to help you rectify those issues.

With time and care, braces and other tools, like aligners and archwires, can actually reshape your mouth, moving your teeth into the correct position.

Once your teeth have reached their correct position and your bite has improved, the braces or other orthodontic appliances can be removed. However, you will likely need to wear a retainer for some time after brace removal to ensure the teeth stay in place.

Orthodontic work is usually performed during your pre-teen and teen years. During that time, you are still growing, making performing orthodontics, and getting good results easier. The earlier your orthodontic work is performed, the better the results should be for you, so early intervention is important if you notice tooth misalignment.

As a pediatric dentist, Dr. Bret Jerger is experienced in helping children grow up with healthy teeth.

Why Would I Need to Straighten My Teeth or Fix My Bite?

If your teeth are not aligned correctly, your bite will not be correct, leading to the development of painful issues, like TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. Early intervention and correction of the bite can help prevent TMJ disorders from developing in the first place.woman smiling in dental exam chair l orthodonics decatur il

Additionally, straight teeth are easier to clean and maintain than teeth that are not straight. A crooked bite means there are more nooks and crannies that can catch food and miss a cleaning with your toothbrush or floss.

Other reasons you may want to use an orthodontist for you or your child include:

  • Difficulty talking or pronouncing certain words due to misaligned bite
  • A bite alignment causes stress and even pain due to increased pressure on your jaw 
  • Difficulty eating or chewing due to a bad bite or misaligned teeth
  • To get a straighter, more attractive smile

Contact Your Dentist in Mt. Zion, IL

For braces in Decatur, IL or orthodontics in Mt. Zion, IL, reach out to us with any questions. As a 62526 dentist, Jerger Pediatric Dentistry is located within easy driving distance of Decatur and Mt. Zion, and we are here to help your child achieve a healthy smile!

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