Can Orthodontics Help with Impacted Teeth?
Orthodontics can be used to treat a wide variety of dental issues, from overcrowding to gappy teeth, overbite, underbite, and even impacted teeth. The road to gaining the perfect smile can be a long one depending on the issues you are facing but with today’s technological advancements, faith and trust can be put into the world of orthodontics, to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
What Are Impacted Teeth?
When we think of impacted teeth, it is usually wisdom teeth that first come to mind, but in truth, any tooth can become impacted. Tooth impaction is a very common dental problem that occurs when a tooth grows at an angle or moves into the gum space needed by another tooth.
Impacted teeth are rarely a cause for concern and can be treated easily, however, it is possible for the impacted tooth to damage the root or crown of surrounding teeth and if the damage is severe and left untreated, it can cause neighbouring teeth to loosen and fall out.
Impacted teeth can occur for various reasons, such as overcrowding, inadequate jaw space, or irregular growth patterns. The most common teeth to become impacted are wisdom teeth, however, the maxillary canine, which erupts around the age of 13 is also another tooth that can be affected by impaction.
Signs You May Have an Impacted Tooth
Wisdom teeth and canines tend to be the most affected by impaction because they typically come in after the incisors and premolars. If these teeth don’t leave enough room, there is nowhere for the canines to grow, meaning they become impacted within the jaw.
An impacted tooth is an invisible problem, and many people only become aware they have this issue when they visit their dentist for a routine check-up. For your dentist to fully confirm whether you have an impacted tooth, they will perform an examination or X-ray to check the tooth's angle and growth pattern. It is possible to experience some pain and discomfort from an impacted tooth and also for inflammation of the gums to occur.
What Challenges are Posed by Impacted Teeth?
Looking after your teeth is always important but if you suspect you may have an impacted tooth, it is vital that you seek help as soon as possible. Impacted teeth, if left untreated, can cause pain, and discomfort, and lead to tooth decay as proper cleaning becomes very difficult. As mentioned previously, it can cause other teeth to loosen and fall out and it can also cause an inflammation of the gums called pericoronitis.
How can Orthodontics Help with Impacted Teeth?
Spotting an impacted tooth early gives you the best chance of avoiding damage to the tooth and teeth surrounding it or losing the tooth altogether. There are several ways that impacted teeth can easily be treated. For wisdom teeth, removal is recommended, but for other teeth, orthodontic care is extremely efficient in correcting the issue.
Braces and Aligners.
In most cases of tooth impaction, allowing adequate space using braces, for the tooth to erupt will sort the problem. In other cases, surgery may be needed to remove some of the gum for the tooth to fully erupt, and afterwards, braces or aligners can be fitted to help guide the tooth into the correct position. Your orthodontist will use a brace that has a chain connected to a bracket which is placed on the impacted tooth, pulling the tooth into its correct position. Once your orthodontist is satisfied with its journey, the chain will be replaced with a bracket. This process can take up to a year as it follows the natural growth and tracking of the tooth.
Tooth Removal.
In some cases, it is necessary for the impacted tooth to be removed. This procedure can be carried out under local or general anaesthetic and takes around 30 to 60 minutes to complete.
Your orthodontist can tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs, which makes them vitally important in helping with impacted teeth. Every person who deals with an impacted tooth is different and will need different treatment, therefore it is possible through orthodontics, to ensure an effective and efficient treatment, focused on individual oral health goals.
Searching for an Orthodontist in Manchester? Northenden House Orthodontics Can Help
If you suspect you have an impacted tooth, we recommend getting advice as soon as possible, to prevent the problem from getting worse and to give you some relief from any pain and discomfort it may be causing.
Here at Northenden House Orthodontics, we are a specialist orthodontist in Manchester with years of experience in helping our patients with impacted teeth. If you have a confirmation from your dentist or suspect your tooth may be impacted, call us today and find out how your expert orthodontist in Manchester could help you.
- Mohammad Malik
