Oral health is deeply connected to your body’s overall health. In some cases, it is imperative for orthodontic treatment to be implemented. Orthodontics can be medically necessary in cases where there is discomfort, malocclusions, jaw dysfunction, and craniofacial abnormalities just to name a few. Medically necessary orthodontics can also be required in the result of an accident or trauma.
Cases that require medical orthodontics
Craniofacial abnormalities:
These physical abnormalities can affect various different skills necessary for human function. Three key skills that can be affected are speech, breathing, and eating. It is important to intervene in cases such as this, especially concerning breathing and eating. Craniofacial abnormalities can be a result of an accident or they can be present at birth.
Malocclusions:
Malocclusion is the medical term for a “bad bite” which is a result of poor tooth alignment. Some cases of tooth alignment that would require medically necessary orthodontics include an underjet which is where the upper teeth protrude, a deep bite which is where the front teeth cover too much of the lower teeth when the jaw is closed, or tooth alignment that results in an open bite where teeth do not align and cannot provide a proper bite. Open bites can be a result of thumb-sucking or the use of pacifiers over an extended period of time when young. These three examples are only a few of the different types of malocclusions that exist. Malocclusions are immensely important to receive treatment as they can result in jaw pain, tooth decay, or chewing difficulty.
Jaw dysfunction:
Jaw dysfunction can be a result from malocclusions like an over or underbite. There are other issues that can cause jaw dysfunction such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. TMJ can be commonly formed in individuals who are aged 20 to 40. On both sides of your head, there is a socket that connects the lower jaw to the skull. This is located just under the ear. If you have TMJ, the lower jaw sometimes does not properly fit back into the socket and can result in headaches or migraines, lock jaw or stiffness, clicking when chewing, earaches or ringing, tooth pain, or neck and shoulder pain.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea:
Sleep apnea can be caused by a number of reasons but obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one that can be rectified with a medically necessary orthodontic treatment. OSA is usually caused by obstructive issues present in the jaw, tongue, or soft palate while one sleeps. Airways can become blocked and are a cause for concern when ensuring one receives enough oxygen while they are sleeping. Improper oxygen flow will cause one to wake up frequently during the night and not get a restful slumber. Sleep apnea can result in other negative health effects such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and cognitive decline due to a lack of sleep. In the case of children, there are some medical devices that can be used to expand the palate or promote jaw growth to prevent future issues while correcting current issues.
Types of medically necessary orthodontic treatments
Every case is unique and will require different methods of treatment. Listed below are some of the treatment methods that can be taken when medically necessary orthodontic treatments arise.
- Braces
- Headgear
- Invisalign
- Oral surgery
- Other forms of removable dental devices such as a palate expander
How does your oral care provider determine whether you need medically necessary orthodontics?
If you notice an issue that cannot be seen by your provider, such as sleep apnea, inform them of the issue and they can begin a treatment plan. In other cases, your oral care provider will be able to see any potential issues and develop a proper treatment plan for you.