The Top 5 Reasons You Might Need to See an Orthodontist

A beautiful smile often goes along with proper function and hygiene when it comes to oral health. A dentist provides much more than simply alignment solutions, yet many people associate them with braces. An orthodontist can treat a variety of dental issues regardless of your age. 

Here are reasons why you might need to consult your dentist if you’ve ever been unsure about when to make an appointment.

Crooked Teeth

Misaligned teeth are among the most frequent reasons people visit dental clinics. Some people are born with teeth that grow unevenly or incorrectly, thumb-sucking, or early baby tooth loss. An orthodontist specializes in using clear aligners, conventional braces, and other cutting-edge orthodontic methods to correct misalignments.

In addition to making your smile look better, proper alignment can help you avoid long-term issues with your oral health. Misaligned teeth can make it harder to clean some parts of your mouth, and you run a higher risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and even losing your teeth. A dental specialist can help you get your teeth straightened, which will improve your appearance and general oral health.

Dental Implants

Sometimes it might be necessary to prepare your mouth for more advanced procedures, such as dental implants. Your jaw and teeth must be in the proper alignment to support dental implants before they can be positioned. To create a stronger base for the implant surgery, an orthodontist might assist in moving teeth into better locations.

Before dental implants are inserted, additional care may be required to fill any gaps in the teeth. By taking this preventative measure, you can lower the chance of problems and increase the implants’ long-term success.

Difficulty in Chewing

It might be time to see a dentist if you have trouble chewing or biting down on food. Eating comfortably can be impacted by jaw issues such as overbite or underbite. In addition to being bothersome, this can cause migraines, jaw pain, and even digestive problems because poor chewing can interfere with the process of digestion.

An orthodontist can assess your bite and suggest adjustments that can enhance comfort and functionality. Moving the jaw and teeth into better alignment may need the use of braces or other orthodontic tools. This can ease the strain on your jaw, facilitate eating, and avoid more issues later on.

Excessive Wear on Teeth

If you find that your teeth are decaying more quickly than you would have thought, or if you frequently get dental pain, visit your dentist. Too much damage can result from malocclusions, which include crowded or misaligned teeth, which put uneven pressure on your teeth as you eat. Tooth discomfort, enamel erosion, and even cracked or fractured teeth can be caused by decay over time. 

A dentist can assess your bite and determine whether misalignment is the cause of your tooth wear. In order to help protect your teeth and maintain their function over time, therapy may include braces, clear aligners, or other interventions, depending on how serious the problem is.