When most people think of orthodontists, they immediately picture braces and straight teeth- and fair enough, that’s a big part of it. But at McComb Orthodontics, we know there’s much more to the field than just perfecting smiles for photos. Orthodontists are highly trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of dental and facial issues that go far beyond aesthetics. These treatments can improve long-term oral health, reduce pain, and even enhance functions like speech and breathing.

Here are just a few of the conditions orthodontists treat beyond crooked teeth:

1. Jaw Alignment Issues (Malocclusion)

Not all bite problems are cosmetic. Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites can lead to everything from uneven tooth wear to jaw pain and headaches. Orthodontists use appliances like braces, Invisalign clear aligners, expanders, and sometimes even surgical options to correct the way your teeth and jaws fit together. It’s about function and form.

2. TMJ Disorders (Jaw Pain & Clicking)

If you’ve ever felt a clicking sensation in your jaw or experienced pain while chewing or talking, you might be dealing with a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. Orthodontists can help by evaluating your bite and jaw alignment and offering treatment options like bite guards or orthodontic appliances to relieve pressure on the joint. Improving your bite can also reduce clenching and grinding, which may then reduce overall joint pressure. 

3. Speech Problems

You might not connect a lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds with orthodontics, but misaligned teeth or jaws can seriously affect speech. By correcting the position of the teeth or expanding a narrow palate, orthodontists can support better articulation and even improve confidence when speaking. Spaces are also a very common cause of speech issues, so space closure using Invisalign or braces can often produce immediate speech benefits. 

4. Breathing & Sleep Issues

This one surprises a lot of people. Narrow airways or misaligned jaws can contribute to breathing issues during sleep, especially in kids. Orthodontists may use palate expanders or other devices to improve airflow and reduce the risk of sleep apnea and mouth breathing. If you’re an adult with breath-related sleep issues, or the parent of a child who mouth breathes at night, check in with us to see how orthodontics might improve your breathing and overall quality of life. 

5. Spacing Issues or Tooth Impaction

Orthodontists don’t just fix crowded teeth- we also deal with the opposite problem: spacing. Too much space between teeth can affect function and appearance. And in cases where teeth don’t erupt properly (aka impacted teeth), an orthodontist can guide them into place, often working closely with oral surgeons if needed.

6. Preventive Treatments in Early Development

We often monitor younger patients to catch developmental issues early- before they turn into bigger (and more expensive) problems. Things like thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, and early tooth loss can all influence how a child’s bite develops, and early intervention can make a huge difference.

Bottom Line

Orthodontics isn’t just about vanity- it’s about health, function, and confidence. Whether it’s helping someone chew without pain, breathe better at night, or speak more clearly, the work orthodontists do is truly life-changing. If you’ve been brushing off a nagging jaw issue or hiding your smile for reasons beyond crooked teeth, it might be worth booking a consult with us.

You’d be surprised how much we can help!