Understanding Posterior Teeth And Their Role in Maintaining a Perfect Smile

Types of Posterior Teeth

To understand the posterior teeth, it's important to know their types.

Anatomy of Posterior Teeth

To understand the functioning of posterior teeth, let's first learn the anatomy of posterior teeth.

1. Efficient Chewing and Digestion

The primary function of posterior teeth is to chew and grind the food into smaller pieces so that they can be swallowed and digested easily. Without proper functioning of the posterior teeth, digestion becomes inefficient leading to gastrointestinal issues.

2. Maintaining Proper Bite

Posterior teeth help distribute chewing forces evenly, preventing excessive pressure on single teeth. They reduce the risk of jaw disorders such as TMJ disorders, which can further cause pain and discomfort in the jaw.

3. Support for Facial Structure

Our cheeks and jaw require the necessary support for balancing. This necessary support is provided by posterior teeth. They play a role in maintaining facial symmetry and preventing a recessed appearance. They help the face to look well-defined and balanced.

4. Speech Clarity

While anterior teeth have a role in pronunciation, posterior teeth assist in controlling airflow and tongue placement for clearer speech.

5. Preventing Tooth Loss

Every tooth in our oral cavity serves as a supporting structure for its adjoining tooth. When posterior teeth have been lost or decayed, the opposing teeth start migrating into the open space, thus causing malalignment, abnormalities in bite, and the formation of spaces between the teeth.

Cavities

Back teeth or posterior teeth are more likely to get cavities. Due to their functioning and location, food particles easily get trapped in them. Moreover, because of their placement, cleaning them becomes very challenging. These trapped food particles lead to bacterial growth and increase the risk of cavities.

Malocclusions

Crowding or missing teeth leads to improper bite and asymmetrical alignment of teeth. This exerts uneven pressure on the molars. The risk of enamel wear, pain, and TMJ disorders increases, damaging the posterior teeth.

Bruxism

Many people grind their teeth unconsciously, especially during the night. Over time, this grinding weakens the molars and premolars, making them more prone to fractures.

Wisdom Tooth Impaction

Wisdom teeth are the last ones to erupt from the gums. If the jaw is small, and there isn't room for them to come in, they may only partially erupt. This is known as partial impaction . Alternatively, they may grow at an incorrect angle, pushing the other teeth. This can lead to swelling, pain, and the need for wisdom teeth removal.

Heart Health

Gum disease linked to the posterior teeth can increase the chances of heart disease. The bacteria trapped in the posterior teeth can enter the bloodstream and damage the heart. Good oral hygiene removes the harmful bacteria and helps keep the heart healthy.

Facial Asymmetry

When a posterior tooth is lost and not replaced in time, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate. This makes the face look saggy and causes the nearby teeth to shift, leading to misalignments and malocclusions.

Gum Disease

Plaque accumulation in the posterior teeth near the gum line can lead to gingivitis and, if left untreated, periodontal disease. This causes swollen gums, bleeding, bad breath, and gum recession. Severe gum disease can cause bone loss, leading to loose teeth or even tooth loss.

Digestive Health

Healthy teeth support overall digestive health. The posterior teeth crush and grind food into small pieces, playing a key role in digestion. Poor chewing ability can lead to digestive problems like bloating and indigestion.

Mental Health

Lost or damaged teeth from the back of the mouth have implications for one's self-esteem and confidence. A large number of people face social isolation and depression owing to either the loss of teeth or the misalignment of teeth. Therefore, restoring your smile will also benefit your mental health.

Fillings

Cavities in the back teeth caused by tooth decay can be treated with fillings by dentists from mild to moderate levels of severity. The dentist removes cavities and fills the void with composite resin, gold, ceramic, or amalgam. This helps to restore tooth function and prevents further decay.

Crowns

Crowns are custom-made caps that cover the posterior tooth that has been damaged or weakened. This helps restore the strength and shape of the tooth. Crowns can be fabricated from porcelain, metal, ceramic, or Zirconia.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canals are recommended when the pulp of a posterior tooth becomes infected. The procedure consists of removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth. This saves the tooth from extraction and relieves pain.

Dental Sealants

Sealants are a thin liquid protective coating applied to the chewing surface or groove of the back teeth. Once applied, the sealants are hardened to shield or protect the teeth from harmful, cavity-causing bacteria. These are used to specially protect children and adults who are more prone to cavities.

At-Home Convenience

With ALIGNERCO you don't have to step out of your bed to get the posterior teeth straightening treatment. If you are suffering from crowding or teeth gaps, ALIGNERCO is here to address all your posterior teeth issues in the comfort of your home. We provide a complete remote treatment, which means you do not have to go out for long clinic visits and appointments.

Barely Visible

ALIGNERCO clear aligners are composed of BPA-free plastic. This plastic is invisible which means you can have your dream smile without even getting noticed. Also , the plastic we use to make clear aligners is high quality and perfect for those who want to get their teeth straightened without compromising their appearance.

Affordable Plans

With ALIGNERCO, you can save up to 40% compared to other invisible aligners. Also, we give an impressive 60% low price compared to traditional braces. Our tailored plans are designed to fit your needs while staying within your budget. In addition, individuals can benefit from our flexible financing options.

Technology Intervention

ALIGNERCO integrated technology to provide quality oral care to its customers. We have introduced a 3D smile projection model to show you how your smile will look like after the treatment before the treatment is even started. Moreover, your treatment plan is closely created and supervised by licensed orthodontists to guarantee optimal results.

Regular Dental Checkups

Visit your dentist every 6 months to detect dental problems early before they get expensive to rectify. He will perform professional cleaning to remove tartar. Besides, they provide advice specific to oral care for you.

Healthy Diet

Eat food that is rich in nutrients like calcium, vitamins, and minerals, and limit sugary and acidic foods that can cause decay in your posterior teeth. Drink an adequate amount of water because water helps wash away food particles and bacteria that cause bad breath.

Avoiding Bad Habits

Cracking or chewing hard materials, such as ice cubes, and candies may result in tooth cracks. Also, avoid opening bottles or tearing packages with teeth as this can damage the enamel. Quit smoking and drinking to lower your risk of gum disease and tooth loss.

Use Night Guards

If you have an issue of bruxism (teeth grinding), wear a custom-fit night guard to protect your enamel from fracture and damage. Also, teeth grinding is often due to stress or anxiety, so practice meditation to get relief from stress.

Maintain Oral Hygiene Routine

Brush twice a day — preferably in the morning and at night. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean the surface of your teeth. Also, floss your teeth regularly to clean hard-to-reach molars. Clean between the teeth to remove food particles and build-up plaque. Use a mouthwash to clean the bacteria.