Have you been thinking about getting orthodontic treatment for yourself or a loved one? Are you wondering if it’s the right time to see an orthodontist for your child or yourself? Well, we have the answers right here!
Seeing an orthodontist nearby can help you avoid a landmine of dental problems later on in your life. As experts, they have the tools and training to help grownups as well as children enhance the health and appearance of their teeth and improve the overall sense of well-being. So, you see, it’s about more than just pristine, straight teeth.
How Does an Orthodontist Help?
Stronger teeth and a healthier mouth is just the start of their capabilities.
Some people develop crooked teeth, or teeth that can’t fit together and it becomes nearly impossible to keep them clean. It leads to constant pain, tooth decay, and some periodontal diseases. An orthodontist can provide the necessary adjustments to an orthodontic treatment plan. To create this plan, they use a variety of diagnostic tools and take an overview of the entire dental and medical history of their patient.
So, here’s the best possible answer to the question at the beginning: the best time to see an orthodontist is anytime you have reservations about the alignment of your teeth or the effectiveness of your bite. If chewing is painful, while biting and speaking is downright impossible, you have to see an orthodontist. They have the skills and training to help you.
A Few Reasons to Get an Orthodontic Treatment Immediately
Childhood, age 7 and onwards, is the right time to meet the orthodontist for the first time and get an overview of the dental health of a child. But it’s never too late really. The following problems can develop at any stage or age of life.
- Teeth Spacing
Sometimes the teeth grow apart, and the resulting gaps and spaces can cause severe discomfort, while also reducing the beauty of your smile. - Underbite
It happens when the lower teeth come out way too forward, e., to the front, while the upper teeth remain behind them. - Overbite
In this condition, the upper teeth are way too much in the front, covering all the lower teeth. This condition is also called buck teeth. - Crowding
Sometimes the jaw takes it’s time to develop, and the dental ridge can’t accommodate all the teeth perfectly, this condition is called crowding. - Crossbite
It is the condition when the upper and lower front teeth cross each other whenever the jaw is closed. - Open bite
The upper and lower teeth can’t contact when the jaw is closed. This condition is called the open bite. - Misplaced Midline
This condition keeps the upper front teeth from lining correctly with the lower front teeth, causing troubles with biting and chewing.
Other dental conditions may not be so easy to identify. But if you, a loved one, or your child is having mouth breathing, is often found grinding and clenching teeth, or is unable to close the mouth comfortably, the chances are that orthodontic treatment is required immediately. Get in touch with near-by orthodontists to get an appointment stat.
The Last Word: Know What Actions to Take
There is no need to wait for a referral from your family physician to see an orthodontist. Ask your friends and acquaintances for orthodontist recommendations, or search online for orthodontists nearby. Qualified orthodontists are members of various professional organizations, and they have several years of experience in the realms of general dentistry and orthodontics, of course along with relevant higher qualifications.
You can pick one nearby and get an appointment to visit them. Once you meet the orthodontist, be upfront and honest about the concerns you have. The initial meeting will entail a thorough examination of the mouth.
They may also require x-rays and photos of the jaw and teeth to study and document the problems. Make sure that you are comfortable and relaxed, and over the feelings of being petrified in the dental chair. Advanced orthodontists offer a welcoming, warm and comfortable environment, ensuring that pain and distress are kept to a minimum throughout the process