7 Signs You Need to Visit an Orthodontist Office

Are you one of the many people who think that orthodontists only work on improving your smile? Think again. According to the AAO, one out of every three patients for orthodontists are adults. Orthodontics is a specialty in dentistry that focuses on correcting irregularities in your bite, including crooked teeth and jaw misalignment. The field also specializes in dental appliances such as braces, retainers, and mouth guards for sport injuries. It’s important to note that while some issues can be corrected without surgery or tooth extraction (such as overbites), severe cases may require surgical intervention. That’s why it’s important to visit an orthodontist office to ensure everything stays aligned properly. Here are our top seven signs you need to visit an orthodontist office.

1. If You’re Self-Conscious About Your Smile

When someone has misalignment issues, they can be hesitant to show their teeth or smile due to embarrassment. Braces have come a long way in the past few years and are now more effective than ever. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, it’s time to schedule an appointment with an orthodontic specialist.

Early orthodontic treatment can lead to a better self-image, improved self-esteem, and the ability to show the world your beautiful smile.

2. If You Have Misaligned Teeth

One of the main goals of orthodontics is aligning teeth properly. Crooked or misaligned teeth can create an aesthetically displeasing appearance, making someone feel embarrassed about their smile. An orthodontist will examine your mouth to see if you have a teeth alignment issue. Further treatment options will be discussed during your first appointment with an orthodontist.

The earlier you catch any irregularities in tooth alignment, the greater your chance of correcting them using low-cost braces or Invisalign.

3. If You Have Difficulty Chewing

One of the main goals of orthodontics is to correct bite irregularities, but this goal also includes making sure teeth are working together efficiently. If you have an improper bite, not only will it be uncomfortable, chewing can become difficult and painful.

A visit with an orthodontist office can help determine if your teeth are properly lined up—and fix any problems causing you issues.

4. If Your Jaw Isn’t Aligned Properly

While braces are often used to align teeth properly, they can have other benefits as well. Your teeth may be in proper alignment when they’re only situated on the top and bottom, but they can tilt inward or outward as a result of an imbalanced jaw structure. This can cause a variety of issues, including TMJ.

An orthodontist can determine if your jaw is out of alignment during your first appointment and discuss treatment options.

6. If Your Child Is Experiencing Issues

Don’t wait until your child is an adult to visit an orthodontist. If your child has crooked or misaligned teeth, it’s important to visit an orthodontic specialist as soon as possible. The earlier they catch the issue and correct it with braces, the better.

It may not even be necessary to wait until your children are teenagers either—in many cases, a simple consultation can determine if they need treatment today or several years down the road.

7. If Your Braces are Damaged or Broken

If you have metal braces, it’s not uncommon for them to become damaged or break due to excessive force or wear and tear over time. If they become damaged, it can leave your teeth vulnerable to further damage. Get in touch with an orthodontic specialist right away for a repair. Not only will they be able to fix them, but they should also be able to inspect your teeth and see if you need to adjust your treatment plan.

If you have issues with your teeth and jaw, visiting an orthodontist office is the best way to determine what needs to be done. While they’re skilled in correcting irregularities with braces, they can also offer other corrective treatment options as well. Early visits will help save time and money as well as keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

If you find yourself experiencing issues with your teeth and jaw, don’t wait until it becomes a major issue you can’t ignore, come to Best Smiles Orthodontics today for a consultation. We’ll help you determine what needs to be done and develop an orthodontic treatment plan that best fits your situation.