Orthodontic treatments are not merely aesthetic – to make your smile lovelier. They play a vital role in the overall dental health of individuals. Although orthodontics as a practice is popular, not everyone can identify signs that a visit to an orthodontist is mandatory.
This post will tell you 7 signs when you need orthodontic treatment. A timely visit to an expert can prevent dental problems later and help you obtain the smile of your dreams.
Signs You Need Orthodontic Treatment
1. Gaps Between Teeth
Gaps between your teeth are a big reason you should visit an orthodontist. Even small spaces can fill up with food particles, which then cause plaque and tartar to accumulate; ultimately causing tooth decay or gum disease.
Braces or Invisalign are a few orthodontic treatments that can align your teeth better, close gaps, and correct your bite.
2. Crooked Teeth
Misshapen teeth or an irregular bite is another blow to the beauty of your smile. It even interferes with the process of cleaning your teeth properly which once more results in plaque sticking.
Maintain proper oral hygiene by getting your teeth aligned via an orthodontist treatment. Also, teeth fixing might be an important step if you are missing just a single tooth or many and need dental implants.
3. An Overbite
An overbite is where the upper teeth overlap and overshadow your lower teeth. Although a mild overbite is typical, if your upper teeth come down on your lower teeth by more than 3 mm, you need to see your orthodontist quickly.
An overbite can wear down your lower teeth quickly.
4. A Crossbite
A crossbite means that one or more of your upper teeth are behind, rather than in front of, the corresponding lower tooth. If you have an orthodontic issue and your teeth don’t line up correctly, pressure will build in areas that were not meant to be under stress during the basic cycle of chewing. Over time, the jaw can develop in an irregular pattern or shape if a crossbite is left untreated which may cause TMJ (temporomandibular joints-control movement of jaws) disorders.
It is likely the time to seek advice from an orthodontist, who can identify where your crossbite came from and how serious it may be for you) before you reach a non-reversible stage.
5. An Underbite
When your lower teeth extend farther than the top of your upper gums, an underbite arises. It can even impact your speech and inhibit proper jaw movement while chewing. A maxillary prognathism and Class III malocclusion change the natural shape of your face – making you age faster and get some extra wrinkles.
The sooner you start treating your underbite, the better off both how well your teeth work and look will be. Orthodontic treatment is a way for your teeth and jaw to help them in alignment with the natural position of eating/speaking without causing discomfort.
6. Speech Issues
Tooth and jaw misalignment can influence speech — making certain words difficult to pronounce. If you have a hard time physically pronouncing certain sounds properly, a visit to an orthodontist might be in order.
7. Pain When Chewing
Chewing your food should be easy and natural. If it makes you miserable, it can be a sign that your teeth or jaw is misaligned. Sometimes, people begin to avoid whole food groups which ultimately creates nutritional deficiencies.
Also, if you frequently bite your tongue or cheek while chewing or have a sore jaw, it might be a sign that you need to see an orthodontist.
When to See an Orthodontist?
If you have any of the conditions mentioned above, you must see an orthodontist immediately. A specialist can suggest a timely orthodontist treatment that can not only catch the problem early enough but also prevent minor issues from becoming severe dental problems.
