The primary goal of orthodontic treatment is to shift teeth into the correct alignment. In many cases, this means straighter teeth, but there are different types of bite issues that can also impact your oral health. Dr. Jeffrey Pike, a dentist in Westchester, NY, offers orthodontic treatment and dentistry services for children and adults.
 

Orthodontic Treatment in Westchester, NY

While orthodontics will certainly improve the cosmetic features of your smile, they also play an important role in your oral health as well. Common problems like crowded or overlapping teeth can make it difficult to brush and floss properly, making it harder to clean between the teeth and gums and increasing the risk of oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease.

Also known as malocclusion (when the teeth don't line up correctly on the upper and lower jaw), bite problems can also affect speech, make it harder to chew food, and affect your nutrition, cause biting or injuries to the cheeks and tongue, and even affect breathing. Bite problems are usually spotted early in childhood around the age of six or seven, but it's never too late to undergo orthodontic treatment. According to the American Academy of Orthodontists, up to a quarter of orthodontic treatment is performed on adults in the United States.

The most common types of bite problems include:

• Crowding
• Overbite
• Open bite
• Underbite
• Cross bite
• Spacing

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends scheduling your child's first dental appointment by age one, or six months after the first tooth erupts, whichever comes first. Regular dental care is especially important for young children, where the dentist can identify abnormalities as the teeth and bones are developing. Adults should schedule are advised to schedule an appointment every six months to a year.
 

Find a Dentist in Westchester, NY

For more information about the benefits of orthodontic treatment and the different types of appliances available, contact The Scarsdale Dentist today by calling (914) 725-0707 to schedule an appoint with Dr. Pike.