Most people have no clue when it’s time to make an appointment with an orthodontist. The current data from the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) reveals that a quarter of all Americans’ teeth are untreated.
This article will reveal the telltale signs for seeking treatment and when to see an orthodontist. Let’s take a look at the benefits of early assessment and why you should understand common dental issues.
Common Signs You May Need Orthodontic Treatment
Most people may not necessarily identify the signs of orthodontic problems since some might only become conspicuous over time. For example, chewing jagged or sore teeth may point to a misaligned tooth or hidden jaw problem. These issues can be corrected by visiting an Upper East Side Orthodontics practice or dental facility.
Other common signs you may need orthodontic treatment include:
- Pain or clicking in the jaw
- Mouth breathing
- Frequent biting of the cheeks or tongue
- Speech difficulties
Protruding or crowded teeth can sometimes interfere with speaking and may result in such problems as difficulty pronouncing sounds like 'r' or 's.' Malalignment of teeth and jaws may be resolved through orthodontic treatment and can have a positive impact on speech.
Visual Indicators That Orthodontic Treatment May Be Needed
Visual signs of when to see an orthodontist are often easier to notice and can serve as a clear indication that an evaluation is required. Protruding or crowded teeth may be hard to clean and may lead to severe cavities or gum disease. Orthodontic treatment can create the needed space and place teeth in the proper position.
An orthodontic assessment can help you understand if you need braces. These issues may be corrected by braces or clear aligners to enhance aesthetics and functionality. Abnormal relations to the jaw’s opposing surfaces result in bite problems if the upper and lower teeth do not align.
An overbite occurs when the upper teeth extend over the lower teeth. An underbite is where the lower lip goes beyond the upper lip due to the protruding of the lower teeth. A crossbite is a disorder in which some of the upper teeth lie within the plane of the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. If not rectified, each of these creates additional dental problems that add up to poor dental health and a lack of confidence.
Developmental Concerns for Children and Teens
In dentistry, early assessment of children and adolescents is important to detect development trends that, if left undiagnosed, may lead to worsened cases. Early shedding or late shedding contributes to complications in the types of teeth that grow in their places. An orthodontist can provide an evaluation of the development of the teeth and perhaps suggest when the teeth should be directed into their proper alignment if necessary.
Long-term thumb sucking or the use of the pacifier results in misposition and alignment problems and incorrect biting. 30% of the US population bites their nails, and this can also cause developmental issues. If it persists beyond the age of four, the orthodontist will give out advice on how to stop the habit and assess the child’s potential for early intervention.
Functional Issues That Warrant an Orthodontic Visit
Functional issues related to chewing, speaking, and jaw movement may indicate the need for orthodontic treatment. Teeth grinding during the night will rub the teeth, causing serious deterioration of the enamel. To a certain extent, this activity could be reduced with the help of orthodontic treatment, during which the bite is correctly aligned.
It is worth noting that some orthodontic issues, for example, narrow dental arches, may lead to obstructive sleep apnea or snoring. Palatal expanders and orthodontic appliances may assist a patient who is experiencing such conditions.
If your lips don’t cover your teeth when you are at rest, this can be an indication of buck teeth and other jaw abnormalities. Solving these problems can contribute to better function and an aesthetic smile.
Aesthetic Concerns
Although the major focus is on functional and developmental problems, aesthetics cannot be ruled out. If you are too shy to smile or ashamed of going to a social event due to crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth, orthodontic treatment can help enhance your smile.
Most people undergo orthodontic treatment to make their teeth appear equal to a set standard. Almost all people with alignment problems can opt for clear aligners or braces mainly for the aesthetic appearance of the teeth.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluation
An early orthodontic consultation, ideally by age seven, allows for timely detection of potential problems and preventive measures to be taken. A lot of developmental problems can be treated without complex surgeries or teeth pulling if attended to early enough. When the problem is identified at an early stage, the development of the jaw may be controlled, and the adult teeth may be properly aligned.
Preventative intervention is, therefore, more effective as early as possible; orthodontic treatment results in shorter overall treatment time and focused costs.
Final Thoughts
Do you want to understand how to know if you need braces? Understanding these common signs could enable you or your child to get orthodontic treatment when needed to have a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile. Don’t wait for the problem to get worse; if unsure, do the responsible thing and get an orthodontic consultation for a lifetime of bright smiles.