Impacted teeth are a frequent dental issue that can cause pain, malocclusion, and even the entire appearance of your smile, among other things. An impacted tooth usually means that the tooth isn’t able to come out through the gums properly because of overcrowding or inefficiency in the eruption path. Although this can be more common with wisdom teeth, other teeth may also be impacted. If you have to deal with impacted teeth, an experienced Phoenix dentist can help you find the most suitable treatment options. Orthodontic techniques often play a pivotal role in managing the impacted teeth and restoring dental health.
Here are ways orthodontic treatments fix impacted teeth effectively.
What Causes Impacted Teeth?
Several factors can cause teeth to be impacted, such as overcrowded teeth, genetic factors, or insufficient space in the mouth. Usually, this condition occurs in the back of the mouth, specifically with wisdom teeth, but it can also be precipitated in the case of other permanent teeth. When a tooth is impacted, it cannot come out through the gumline, resulting in pain, swelling, and sometimes an infection. In time, this can cause the alignment of the neighboring teeth to be affected, which makes orthodontic treatment an essential part of the solution.
How Orthodontic Treatments Can Help with Impacted Teeth
Orthodontic treatment is among the ultimate solutions to tackle the issue of impacted teeth. Orthodontists receive education to identify the situation of your teeth and those that underwent the pressure of other teeth as impacted teeth and develop a customized treatment plan for this alteration.
Here’s how orthodontic treatments help:
- Braces and Aligners: Braces or clear aligners may be the right solution to move the impacted tooth to its proper position. Braces work by applying constant pressure to the teeth, which in turn shifts the teeth into alignment over time. In the case of impacted teeth, this might involve more tuned techniques to ensure that the tooth is shifted properly and safely.
- Surgical Intervention: In many cases, an orthodontist coordinates with an oral surgeon to uncover an impacted tooth surgically; thus, the braces work only on the tooth. Such surgery is normally simple, and the patient only needs rest and care to recover.
- Space Management: If an impacted tooth is causing overcrowding, an orthodontist may recommend removing certain teeth to create space for the impacted one. Once space is made, the impacted tooth can be guided into the correct position.
- Timing and Monitoring: Orthodontic treatments can be more beneficial for younger patients since the teeth are still growing. A top-rated orthodontist will monitor the progress of tooth eruption and provide timely interventions that can ensure that the impacted teeth are corrected at an early stage, thus reducing the problems that may arise in the future.
- Retention and Long-Term Care: Properly aligning the affected tooth is just the first step; now, the alignment has to be maintained. Orthodontic retainers can be put in place to achieve the end result and keep the teeth at the right angle over time.
The Importance of Seeking Orthodontic Care
If you or your child has impacted teeth, getting orthodontic treatment from a professional is very important. Early intervention will not only remove the pain, misalignment, and subsequent dental issues but also direct the teeth toward a straight path. By visiting an orthodontist, you will be able to guarantee that your teeth are not misaligned and that your oral health is maintained.
At Westwind Integrated Health, we understand the complications of impacted teeth. Our trusted dentist in Phoenix and the orthodontic team can offer a comprehensive solution for treating impacted teeth and other dental issues. Book an appointment with us now to discuss how our orthodontic therapies can help you get the smile you desire—healthier and more self-assured.