ORAL HEALTH AND ALVEOLAR BONE LOSS
The jawbones are essential to hold the teeth in place. They also help dissipate the pressure of the bite when upper and lower teeth come together.
Bone loss around teeth is an irreversible process; however, it is not a disease itself, but rather a manifestation of an underlying condition.
WHAT CAUSES DENTAL BONE LOSS?
Many oral and general conditions can cause bone loss in the jaws; the most common are listed below.
Tooth loss: the bone is a tooth-dependant structure; when a tooth is lost, part of the surrounding bone disappears over time. Bone loss can change the fitting of dentures and removable prosthesis. Over time, the collapse of the bone can become a problem for replacement of teeth with dental implants or dentures. When several teeth are lost, bone loss can change the relation between the jaws, affecting the jaw joint, facial muscles and the entire face. Thus, maintenance of teeth is the primary prevention for alveolar bone loss.
Gum disease: this is the most common cause for bone loss. When inflammation in the gums spread to the bone, it leads to its destruction. Bone loss can eventually lead to loosening and loss of teeth. Gum disease can result in general loss of alveolar bone or in local defects.
Receding gums: this is a common feature of gum disease, especially in areas where the bone is thin. However, gums can also recede in the absence of gum disease.
Ill-fitting dentures: when dentures do not fit properly, the act of biting and clenching can put excessive pressure in the jawbones and slowly wear it away.
Other conditions: lack of vitamins and nutrients, tumors, cysts and oral infections can also result in bone loss. General conditions such as osteoporosis and hormonal imbalance can leave the bones more porous and more prone to destruction.
BITE ISSUES CAN AGGRAVATE ALVEOLAR BONE LOSS
Bite issues can accelerate the loss of alveolar bone in direct and indirect ways. When the jaws meet, if there is imbalance, the biting pressure is concentrated in some areas of the dentition. These excessive forces can lead to destruction of the bone. It can manifest as gum recession or as defects around one or several teeth.
In addition, rotated, misplaced, misaligned, crooked and crowded teeth are very difficult to keep clean. Consequently, bacteria build up, increasing the risk for gum disease, which usually causes bone loss.
DENTAL TREATMENT FOR ALVEOLAR BONE LOSS
Looking well after your teeth and having regular dental check-ups can go a long way in the prevention of bone loss. Lost bone is very difficult to regrow, thus treatment is aimed at stopping what is causing it in first place.
There are procedures aimed at rebuilding part of the lost bone using grafts, bone substitutes and other dental materials, however, it has limited indications and results.
ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT CAN CORRECT BITE ISSUES AND IMPROVE CONDITIONS THAT CAUSE BONE LOSS
In order to avoid further damage, bite problems need correction. They are not only linked to local damage (bone loss, gum disease and bad breath), but also lead to problems in the jaw joint, in the muscles of the face, head, neck and back, and even problems with posture and breathing.
Thus, correcting the bite through orthodontic treatment will improve oral health and avoid serious problems in other areas. Clear aligner therapy, such as Invisalign, is a great way to shift teeth in a gentle way. It is more convenient than braces, as it involves the use of clear plastic trays that fit snuggly over the teeth. Those are 3D printed exclusively for your teeth and can be removed during meals and oral hygiene procedures.
Having a balanced bite with all teeth in the right position and alignment is a great way of preventing alveolar bone loss, gum disease and other problems.