Do you know over 9 million people in the U.S receive orthodontic treatment each year?
Orthodontic treatment serves a vital role in our dental hygiene and care. Orthodontic treatment plans easily to rectify problems such as crowding, misalignment, and gaps in teeth.
However, many of us wait too long before visiting an orthodontist. But, how do you know it’s time to see an orthodontist?
While the answer to this question is unique to each child and adult, here are 5 signs you need to visit an orthodontist.
1. You Hide Your Smile
If you feel self-conscious when you smile, this is a sign you require orthodontic treatment. Crooked, gapped, and crowded teeth are probably the reason you hide your smile.
It’s never too late to reclaim your smile. The right orthodontic treatment will recreate your smile, leaving you with a smile you’ll want to share.
2. Under Bite or Over Bite
Do you find it uncomfortable or difficult to chew food? This could be an indication of a poor bite condition. Common poor bite conditions include overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
If you notice your top teeth are jutting over your bottom teeth, it would be best to see a local orthodontist. Top orthodontists will create a personalized treatment plan to align your jaw.
3. You Breathe Through Your Mouth
Mouth breathing is one of the telltale signs that you need to see an orthodontist. Mouth breathing is attributed to the width of the jaw and the openness of the airway.
If you have a considerably narrow jaw, your airways are obstructed, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. Mouth breathing leads to sleep apnea, a condition that is life-threatening if left untreated.
Visit a reputable orthodontist to expand your jaw and airways.
4. Jaw Pain
Most of us opt for pain killers whenever we experience jaw pain and assume the problem is treated. However, this shouldn’t be the case. Jaw pain can lead to TMJ disorder- a condition where one cannot open their mouth fully.
If you experience jaw pain regularly, it’s best to visit an orthodontist to help determine the source of your discomfort.
Orthodontists have alignment treatment programs and tools to help solve the problem in no time.
5. Bad Breath
Do you know bacteria in the mouth are the main cause of bad breath?
Food particles tend to get stuck between crooked teeth. If you are unable to get rid of these particles, bacteria start feeding on them. This results in an unpleasant smell.
Bad breath can be embarrassing. Luckily, fixing your crooked teeth through braces will tackle the problem.
Improve Your Dental Health by Visiting an Orthodontist Today
Orthodontic treatment helps align your teeth and correct gaps that trap food. This allows you to clean your mouth thoroughly.
Note an orthodontist is a dentist too, only that they specialize in jaw alignment, teeth straightening, and correcting overbite and under-bite situations. If you notice any of these signs, do not hesitate to visit a local orthodontist.
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