How Can Tongue Thrust Affect My Braces Treatment?
At some point or another, we have all been unhappy with our smiles. Maybe it happened while seeing an old picture or even when seeing our own reflection in the mirror on a daily basis. And yes, if your teeth are less than perfect, Invisalign braces in Kaneohe are the best solution for you.
At Hawaiian Smiles Orthodontics, we believe everyone deserves a healthy, straight, and beautiful smile that gives you the confidence needed to conquer the world. So, yes, Kaneohe Invisalign braces are always worth the investment and dedication required to get those perfect teeth you have been dreaming of.
No matter what orthodontic issues are keeping you from having your million-dollar smile, we have the ideal solution for you. Some of the most common orthodontic problems faced by the majority of people include overbites, underbites, open bites, crossbites, and crowded teeth, just to name a few.
There are many different causes for these orthodontic conditions, but today we will be taking a closer look at tongue thrusting.
What Is Tongue Thrusting?
Tongue thrusting, also known as reverse swallowing or immature swallowing, is a muscle imbalance that causes the tongue to press too far forward in the mouth during the speech, swallowing, and even rest.
Tongue thrusting is regular in newborns, but if tongue thrusting continues after the age of four and into adulthood, it can lead to orthodontic problems, including an open bite (when the front teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed). Early detection and treatment of tongue-thrust diseases can assist in avoiding more serious problems from occurring.
Tongue Thrust-Related Problems
A person will swallow between 1,200 and 2,000 times per day on average. The tongue exerts between 1 and 6 pounds of pressure on the teeth and other oral structures during each swallow. After a while, this constant pressure on the teeth might result in tooth misalignment and biting problems.
The pressure from your tongue pressing on the rear of your teeth can cause your front teeth to migrate outward. This results in a space between your center top and bottom teeth, known as an open bite.
Untreated tongue thrust can also cause long-term speech impairment, such as a lisp over specific sounds. It can also cause your tongue to protrude between your teeth, elongating your face.
How To Stop Tongue Thrust?
Orthodontic devices, in general, can provide effective treatment for tongue thrusting. Work with your orthodontist to determine the best treatment option for you. Orofacial myology is sometimes indicated as a treatment. This is a treatment that corrects the position of the lips, jaw, and tongue position over time. Swallowing habits are also addressed in this therapy.
Open bite corrections done without continuous therapy have been known to revert over time. Any sinus, allergy, or breathing difficulties that may be causing your or your child’s tongue pushing should be addressed by your doctor. For swallowing therapy to be successful, breathing concerns must be addressed.
You or your child may need speech therapy in addition to swallowing therapy to correct any speech difficulties that have formed as a result of tongue thrusting.
Tongue Thrusting Vs Invisalign
Misaligned teeth, crooked and crowded teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite are just a few of the orthodontic issues that Invisalign can help with. If you have any orthodontic issues, using Invisalign is a fantastic alternative.
Not to mention that Invisalign is the perfect orthodontic device that can be used by young children, teens, and adults. It is the most advanced and convenient way to undergo your orthodontic journey toward a bright and beautiful smile without having to worry about brackets, wires, and diet restrictions.
It’s essential to remember that tongue thrusting is not an orthodontic issue but rather a condition that can cause orthodontic issues if left untreated.
Remember to consult with your Kaneohe Invisalign braces orthodontist before starting any type of treatment for you or your family members.
The Drs and staff at Hawaiian Smiles Orthodontics are always available to talk with you and address your concerns. If you are an adult suffering from tongue thrusting or the parent of a child who hasn’t grown out of their tongue thrusting habit, make an appointment with us today! We look forward to helping you achieve the smile you deserve and welcoming you to our orthodontic family.
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