Although most people believe that orthodontists install braces or aligners on teeth, they are capable of much more. Orthodontists, who are experts in straightening teeth and jaws, can help heal a range of ailments. Gellerman Orthodontics, for example, has an orthodontist in Huntington, NY, who may provide therapy other than braces.
TMJ Treatment
The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is a tiny joint that links the lower jaw to the skull. The lower jaw may move readily up and down when this joint is healthy. When this joint fails, it can result in a variety of symptoms, such as discomfort, clicking, and reduced jaw motion. Orthodontists are skilled at identifying and correcting bite issues that can contribute to TMJ. Orthodontists can help ease TMJ symptoms and prevent further damage to the jaw joint by aligning the teeth and straightening the bite.
Apnea (Sleep Deprivation)
Sleep apnea is a sleeping problem that causes breathing pauses. These pauses might last seconds or minutes and happen multiple times during the night. Many people prefer to sleep with a breathing machine, although orthodontic care is also available. Orthodontists can help cure sleep apnea by repositioning the tongue and jaw to prevent airway blockage. As a way to maintain the airway open while sleeping, a unique appliance known as an oral appliance may be utilized in some circumstances.
Digestive Issues
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a frequent digestive issue that an orthodontist may assist with. Heartburn and other symptoms occur when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Orthodontists can help patients by supplying them with a tongue positioner, which is a dental device that is often worn while sleeping. This device holds the tongue in place, allowing air to circulate freely and food to move more quickly through the digestive tract. In addition, orthodontists can provide advice on food and lifestyle changes that may help reduce GERD symptoms.
Bruxism
The medical term for teeth grinding is bruxism. When some people grind their teeth throughout the day, many patients grind their teeth while sleeping. This might lead to fissures or tooth loss over time. Your orthodontist may prescribe a mouthguard or sleep guard to avoid this. Night guards are made of various materials, such as hard plastic, soft silicone, and boil-and-bite mouthguards. Orthodontists commonly take imprints of patients’ teeth to make a custom-fitted night guard.
How to Obtain Assistance
While an orthodontist can treat all of these illnesses, not all orthodontists provide the treatments. That is why, before scheduling a consultation, it is vital to perform preliminary research and collect references. Gellerman Orthodontics in Huntington, NY, can help New Yorkers with these problems.
While orthodontics may give us the smiles of our dreams, it can also help us with some of our health problems. If any of the challenges stated above bother you, obtaining orthodontic therapy may be the best option for you. Gellerman Orthodontics provides the tools and knowledge you’re looking for. Returning to regular life is simple for them.
