Cosmetic Braces vs. Functional Braces
When considering orthodontics in New Hanover County, it’s important to determine whether you need cosmetic or functional braces. Many people choose cosmetic braces for reasons such as:
- Crowding of front teeth
- Gaps or spaces between front teeth
- Rotated or tipped front teeth
These issues mainly affect the appearance of the teeth. You may also notice functional issues, like food getting stuck or difficulty cleaning your teeth, but these are usually secondary.
Many patients choose functional braces because they experience issues such as:
- Tooth wear or breakage
- Tooth soreness or pain not associated with decay
- Difficulty chewing
- Breathing problems including snoring and sleep apnea
- Jaw pain, neck pain, and headaches associated with chewing or speaking
- Desired facial cosmetic changes in jaw size, or to correct problems caused by improper growth or development
Cosmetic concerns like crowding or gaps may also be present, but they are not the primary reason for treatment.
Sometimes patients focus on cosmetic concerns, but we identify underlying functional problems during the planning process.
Cosmetic braces offer more flexible treatment options. Invisalign works well for cosmetic braces. These treatments are typically shorter and less involved. Depending on your needs, we may add other appliances to achieve the necessary orthodontic changes.
Functional Braces and TMJ Treatment
One of the most common uses for functional braces is TMJ treatment. If you have TMJ, braces can play a key role in your treatment. The goal is to build on the results of a bite splint or other short-term treatments and create a stable, long-term bite.
We only use functional braces after determining the optimal bite position and confirming stable results. Once your teeth are in position, we may recommend minor adjustments, such as building up teeth with dental crowns, to maintain your bite. We only recommend this stage after using reversible TMJ treatments to confirm your ideal bite.
To learn more about functional braces in New Hanover County, call Kuzma Advanced Dentistry at (910) 392-6060.
