How to Determine If You Need Orthodontics: Signs and Symptoms

While orthodontic treatment has many benefits to your oral health, confidence, and overall well-being, it’s not always easy to recognize when you might need it. In this article, we walk you through the common signs and symptoms that indicate it may be time to visit the orthodontist. Keep reading for more.

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialized form of dentistry focused on diagnosing and treating issues related to a malpositioned jaw and misaligned teeth. Orthodontic issues can result in problems with biting, chewing, and speaking, as well as aesthetic issues stemming from crooked or overlapping teeth. While many people wear braces as children, it’s actually quite common for adults to seek orthodontic treatment as well.

When You Should Seek Orthodontic Treatment

Below are some of the common signs and symptoms that it’s time to seek orthodontic treatment from a qualified and experienced orthodontist.

Malpositioned Teeth

If you notice that your teeth are crowded together (causing them to overlap), then it may be time to seek orthodontic treatment. This typically means there isn’t enough room in your mouth for your teeth to comfortably fit together, making it more difficult to thoroughly brush and floss. Being unable to properly care for your teeth puts you at a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease.

Gaps Between Teeth

Gaps in between teeth can be caused by small teeth, missing teeth, or a wide upper or lower dental arch. While not always an issue, large gaps or spaces between your teeth can sometimes be a sign you need to see an orthodontist, as spaces can impact your bite and lead to more serious problems down the line. 

Bite Problems 

Difficulties with your bite, also known as malocclusion, can cause a host of problems, including jaw pain, issues chewing, and uneven tooth wear. There are several types of bite problems, e.g., overbite (excessive overlap of the upper front teeth with the lower front teeth) and underbite (lower front teeth that far extend beyond the upper front teeth), that can be fixed with orthodontic treatment.

Chronic Teeth Grinding

Misaligned teeth can lead to chronic grinding, which you may not even be aware that you are doing. Excessive teeth grinding can eventually lead to tooth and gum damage, headaches, and jaw pain. Orthodontic treatment can help reduce the likelihood of these issues by fixing tooth alignment. So if you suspect you may be grinding your teeth (especially at night), visit a dental professional for a consultation.

Jaw Pain

Jaw pain and clicking when you move your jaw, also known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, is often a sign to seek orthodontic treatment for misalignment.

Mouth Breathing 

Mouth breathing can be a sign of underlying tooth and jaw issues and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if the root cause is left untreated. If you notice you’re frequently breathing through your mouth, be sure to see an orthodontist to rule out any oral health issues.

Difficulty Speaking

While not always a sign of orthodontic issues, difficulty speaking, such as speaking with a lisp, can indicate a larger issue with jaw misalignment or tooth positioning. Orthodontics can help alleviate speech issues by correcting the alignment of the teeth and jaw, so it’s important to seek professional care if you experience difficulty pronouncing certain sounds (especially if it’s a sudden change).

Conclusion

Recognizing when to seek treatment is the first step toward achieving a healthy and beautiful smile. If you’re experiencing any of the above issues, be sure to schedule a consultation with our experienced and professional orthodontists in Las Vegas as soon as possible.