Common Reasons You Need to Visit an Orthodontist

An orthodontist is different from your typical dentist. Unlike a regular dentist who cleans teeth and looks after oral health, an orthodontist specializes in correcting bite and jaw irregularities. Here’s a look at how you can benefit from seeing an orthodontist on a regular basis – regardless of your age.

Preventing: Prevent future dental problems

 Teeth and jaw problems can develop as early as eight years old, but an orthodontist can help you whether you are eight, 18, or 80.

Overcrowding teeth, overbites, and underbites are some problems that can be detected and treated promptly with corrective orthodontic solutions.

Correcting: Function and aesthetics

Corrective orthodontics can help with both functional and cosmetic periodontal issues. Here are some common teeth and jaw problems that can be corrected when treated on time. Remember that the sooner a problem is identified and treated, the better the outcome.

Misaligned jaw correction

A misaligned jaw can be painful and make chewing difficult. With the help of corrective orthodontics (fixed/removable dental braces), your orthodontist can fix any jaw misalignment without surgery.

Bite correction

Large gaps between your teeth can be unsightly and cause bite issues. Bite issues can alter the shape of your face and cause headaches, clenching, speech difficulties, and grinding. Crossbite, open bite, overbite, and underbite are all issues that can affect anyone at any age. If you notice a problem or change in your bite, you should immediately see an orthodontist.

Crooked and crowded teeth

Teeth are best treated early, but an orthodontist can help fix crooked teeth even in adulthood with braces that suit your lifestyle.

Overcrowding of teeth in your mouth can make it very hard to clean your teeth thoroughly and cause gum problems. An orthodontist can extract a tooth or two and then have you wear braces to close the gap.

Teeth shift – due to periodontitis

Loose teeth or teeth that shift their position are a sign of severe periodontal disease – inflammation of the tissue surrounding the teeth. As the infection spreads, the roots of the teeth are left vulnerable. There may be bone loss around the teeth. All that can cause your teeth to shift. Fortunately, your orthodontist can save your teeth from periodontal disease – but the problem must first be treated and diagnosed.

Improving: Quality of life

 Eating

Properly aligned teeth allow you to chew your food well with equal pressure exerted from the teeth on the upper and lower jaws.

Sleeping

Overcrowding and crooked teeth can cause sleep disturbances and problems like sleep apnea and bruxism. Getting your teeth straightened out can lead to improved sleep.

Breathing

Uneven teeth and misaligned jaws can make it difficult to close your mouth when you sleep and breathe through your nose. As a result, you might end up breathing through your mouth as you sleep – a problem that can be corrected with corrective orthodontics.

Making oral hygiene easier – Why is this essential 

Good oral hygiene is critical for your oral health to keep away harmful bacteria and plaque, infections, gum disease, and tooth infections. It can also lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. A well-aligned set of teeth can ensure it’s easier to look after your teeth, mouth, and gums.

Self-esteem

Healthy teeth can make you feel confident about your smile, and smiling helps release endorphins and increase your level of happiness in life.

Seeing your orthodontist at any age can help prevent future dental problems. Preventive orthodontics can keep teeth and jaw problems from getting worse, while corrective orthodontics can reduce bone loss around teeth and save your teeth and smile. Don’t put off seeing your orthodontist; begin any necessary orthodontic treatment as soon as possible to preserve and protect your teeth and smile.