About four million Americans wear braces, and 25% of those patients are adults! Even the number of patients over age 50 has continued growing year over year. Despite how many people are getting braces, most people don’t know how to recognize they need orthodontic treatment.
Here are seven signs you should consider visiting an orthodontist. With their help, you can make a more informed decision about your dental health.
Read on to discover the top signs you need to visit an orthodontist today!
1. Gaps Between Teeth
Before reading the rest of this guide, take a look at your smile in front of a mirror. What problems do you notice regarding the appearance of your teeth?
If you find yourself covering your teeth when you smile or laugh, you’re not alone. In fact, over 60% of American adults feel insecure about their teeth. Top concerns include:
- Spaces between teeth
- Crookedness
- Receding gums
If you notice giant gaps between your teeth, consider visiting an orthodontist. They can make recommendations to help you close the gaps. For example, you might consider traditional metal braces or Invisalign clear aligners.
When most people think of orthodontics, they’re picturing traditional metal braces. These braces feature metal wires and brackets designed to bring your teeth closer together. Traditional metal braces can help close the gaps between your teeth.
If the gaps aren’t too severe, your orthodontist might recommend clear aligners instead. One of the top benefits of Invisalign is the discretion it offers. Most people won’t notice you’re wearing the plastic aligners around your teeth.
You’ll swap your aligners out week over week. Each pair will bring your teeth closer together, closing the gaps.
If you neglect to begin orthodontic treatment, those gaps could put your oral care at risk.
For example, food particles will have more places to hide. Bacteria, saliva, and food particles can mix together to form plaque. When left unattended, plaque can harden into tartar.
A professional will need to clean the tartar away for you. Otherwise, your risk of tooth decay or gum disease could increase.
2. Crooked Teeth
Perhaps a few of your teeth look crooked, impacting the overall appearance of your smile. Crooked teeth can make it more difficult for you to thoroughly brush and floss. Your chances of developing plaque and tooth decay could increase as a result.
Getting braces can help straighten your teeth. You might need to begin orthodontic treatment before getting a dental implant, too. A dental implant will replace any teeth you lose due to decay or trauma.
If you leave a gap in your smile, the surrounding teeth might lean toward the gap, causing your teeth to look crooked. Orthodontic treatment along with a dental implant can remedy the problem!
3. An Overbite
An overbite indicates one of your top teeth overlaps with one of your bottom teeth.
It’s normal for patients to develop a slight overbite. A severe case, however, could lead to oral health problems in the future.
If you can no longer see your lower teeth due to an overbite, you need to seek orthodontic treatment right away. Otherwise, you might lose a tooth in an oral trauma. Wear and tear can start to occur, leaving your teeth vulnerable to tooth decay.
4. A Crossbite
Does one of your upper teeth cross behind one of your lower teeth? It’s possible you have a crossbite. A crossbite indicates the teeth don’t meet properly on each side.
If you neglect to begin treatment, asymmetric jaw growth could develop over time.
You might begin to experience accelerated tooth wear. Wearing down your protective tooth enamel could leave your teeth vulnerable to decay.
If you think you have a crossbite, talk to your local orthodontist about getting braces. They can straighten your teeth before complications develop. Otherwise, common complications include TMJ disorder, which might require surgery if you neglect to seek treatment.
5. An Underbite
You likely have an underbite if the bottom row of your teeth overlaps with the top row. If this problem sounds familiar, visit your local orthodontist right away. Otherwise, the problem could get worse if you neglect to begin treatment.
For example, you might have a difficult time chewing. You might notice changes in your speech, too.
A severe underbite can also alter your appearance. For example, you might begin experiencing symptoms of premature aging. Wrinkles could form.
If your appearance has started to change, it could affect your self-esteem. Beginning orthodontic treatment can help improve your oral health and smile. Improving the appearance of your smile can boost your self-confidence in social settings.
6. Speech Issues
An alignment issue might impact your ability to pronounce certain words. You might struggle to communicate, which can cause self-esteem issues. If you notice any changes in your speech, talk to an orthodontist.
They can help complete a full assessment to determine if you have an alignment issue. Then, they can help you determine the best course of treatment based on your needs.
7. Pain When Chewing
Sometimes, recognizing your orthodontic issues isn’t as easy as looking in a mirror. For example, you might experience pain while chewing your favorite foods. If you experience pain when eating, you might stop eating certain foods to minimize your symptoms.
Neglecting to eat a well-balanced diet could put your overall health at risk. You won’t receive the vitamins and minerals you need to function throughout the day.
Pain when chewing could indicate an alignment issue. You might begin biting your tongue or the inside of your mouth. You might even bite your tongue or cheek when you sleep.
If you wake up with a painful tongue, cheek, or jaw, consider choosing an orthodontist nearby. They can help you determine the root cause of your symptoms.
Visit Your Local Practice to Begin Orthodontic Treatment Today
Don’t let these orthodontic issues affect your oral health more than they already have. Instead, visit your local orthodontist to discuss your orthodontic treatment options. Beginning treatment right away will help you avoid complications in the future.
Improve your dental care and smile with orthodontics today!
Want to discuss your treatment options with your local orthodontist? We’re here for you.
Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.