How Does the Propel® VPro At-Home Device Work?
If you’re considering accelerated orthodontics, you might be curious about the at-home options. Here’s how the Propel® VPro can help speed things up for you.
When Gapped Teeth Become More than a Cosmetic Concern
Many people struggle with diastema, or gapped teeth. While some people learn to love their widely spaced smile, a particularly generous gap between teeth might become a problem later in life. Whether you want your gap gone for aesthetic reasons or you’re concerned about its severity, an orthodontist can help.
At ChapmanSmiles Orthodontics in Happy Valley, Clackamas, Oregon, orthodontist Dr. Gary Chapman offers both braces and clear aligners, either of which can help rectify gaps in your smile.
When gapped teeth become a problem
Many people choose to get their gapped teeth corrected because of cosmetic concerns. It can be difficult to show off your smile if you have gapped teeth, and both children and adults alike can be self-conscious about having diastema.
However, gaps in the teeth can also cause physical problems, including:
- Issues with biting and chewing
- Speech difficulties, especially in cases of wide gaps
- Shifting and instability in the natural arch of your teeth
- Trouble cleaning teeth, especially for children
- Increased risk of tooth decay or gum disease
- Risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain
An orthodontist gives you options, and it’s never too late to get your teeth brought into the correct position. Having gaps in your teeth addressed doesn’t just provide you with a more even and aesthetically pleasing smile. You’ll be free from the frustration of getting things stuck between your teeth, struggling to floss effectively, and suffering from bad breath because of wayward food particles.
Correcting gapped teeth
In some cases, small gaps in the smile can be harmless, and some cultures even consider them good luck. If the gap in your child’s smile isn’t closing, or if you have concerns about a wide gap in your own smile, orthodontic treatment at ChapmanSmiles can help you find solutions.
For children, traditional braces might be the best approach. Young children can’t keep track of clear aligners, and it’s important that you take them out while eating and keep them in while sleeping and going about your day.
Teenagers and adults can benefit from clear Invisalign® or Spark™ aligners, which are almost impossible for other people to spot. As long as you take care of your aligners, switch them on schedule, and keep them in for 22 hours out of every 24, you’ll typically see your teeth shift into place in a matter of months.
To learn more and get your gapped teeth evaluated, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chapman by calling ChapmanSmiles at 503-659-5000, or request an appointment online.
You Might Also Enjoy...
When Are Expanders a Necessary Treatment?
Early intervention can prevent a childhood and even a lifetime plagued by dental complications. Here’s when to consider expanders a necessary treatment.
4 Ways to Determine if You Have Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can mean you’re not getting restful sleep, which can lead to fatigue, irritability, and even the danger of falling asleep behind the wheel. Here are four ways to determine if you have sleep apnea.
Understanding the Two Phases of Early Orthodontic Intervention
Orthodontics are typically thought of as a treatment in middle school or junior high, involving a mouth full of metal braces and possibly a retainer. Early orthodontic intervention can prevent this.
Why Does My Jaw Feel Sore in the Morning?
If you keep waking up with a sore jaw, it might be time to consult your dentist. They can determine what’s causing the pain, and how to prevent it.
5 Dental Problems Expanders Can Address
Many people think of dental expanders as a last resort for extreme cases of a narrow mouth or for serious oral developmental problems, but that’s not all they can fix.