Inch for inch, your jaw muscles are among the most powerful in the human body.  Normal chewing places about 70 lbs/sq inch of pressure on the back teeth, and clenching your teeth can increase that force to 150-300 lbs/sq inch.  Bruxism is teeth grinding, often during sleep.  The forces in bruxism during sleep have been measured at over 1000 lbs/sq inch of force, enough to crush the front end of a car.  If normal pressure is applied evenly to your teeth, the force is comfortable.  But if you have occlusal problems and all that pressure is applied to just a few spots, the teeth, ligaments and nerves can signal pain.  Over time, the tooth absorbing this punishment can fracture. 

You may have an unstable bite (malocclusion) due to missing teeth or periodontal disease, or if your teeth are worn down or out of place.  Ill-fitting crowns or bridges can also disturb your bite.  That powerful force, misdirected due to an incorrect bite, can cause pain and damage to your remaining teeth.  The upper and lower teeth should fit together well, without causing your TMJ (temporomandibular joint) to become unstable.  TMJ dysfunction can lead to pain in your jaw or face, as well as headaches and other complaints.

 If you have an unstable on ineffective bite, bruxism, misaligned teeth or TMJ pain, see your dentist and request a bite analysis. A small adjustment may be all that is needed to correct the situation and prevent problems later. A custom night dental guard can help with bruxism, and other types of dental treatment can improve occlusion. And while we can’t guarantee that a visit to our office will give you a new superpower like tap dancing, we can relieve pain, restore occlusion and allow you to chew your food comfortably again.

Many adult dental patients with misaligned teeth would like a more pleasing smile, but traditional orthodontic treatment, including braces with brackets, wires, springs and rubber bands, is not practical or socially acceptable for most of us.

Reason #1 Misalligned Teeth Can Cause Health Problems
Misaligned teeth can cause more than a self-conscious smile. Crooked teeth may be associated with difficulty chewing and problems such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. TMJ disorder, which can cause a clicking sensation when the jaw opens or closes, can lead to jaw pain, headaches, or tinnitus, a noisy sensation in the ear.

Reason #2 Misalligned Teeth Can Lead to Gum (Periodontal) Disease
Proper brushing of the teeth removes biofilm (plaque), the sticky layer of bacteria on the teeth that leads to tooth decay, toothache, tartar buildup, gum disease and bad breath. With misaligned teeth, brushing is less efficient in removing biofilm, so it is easier for periodontal gum disease to develop. And it is gum disease, not tooth decay, that is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults.

Reason #3 Clear Braces Are Convenient and Affordable
Clear plastic aligners are nearly invisible orthodontic appliances that can be worn at work or out in public. The wearer is able to speak on the telephone clearly, and can easily remove them to eat or brush their teeth. The cost is often much less than traditional braces; many patients are surprised to learn how truly affordable this treatment can be.

Reason #4 Clear Braces Are Customized Just For You
The treatment is completely customized, and proceeds at the patient’s own pace. Each aligner is worn for several weeks while one or more teeth are moved a fraction of a millimeter. Over time, the teeth gradually move into their optimal position.

Reason #5 Clear Braces Improve Your Smile and Facial Proportions
Successful treatment with clear plastic aligners for adults can correct crowded misaligned teeth, and eliminate gaps between teeth. The gradual movement of your teeth to their optimal position will enhance your smile, improve the function and health of your gums, teeth and jaw, and achieve a more pleasing balance of facial proportion. And who would not want that?

Patient “E” Before, Age 57 years

Patient “E” After clear braces & whitening