Signs that you need an orthodontic treatment

Should you get orthodontic treatment? If so, you’re not alone! Many people suffer from misaligned teeth or other issues that may require orthodontic intervention. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the telltale signs that it’s time to see an orthodontist and get started on the path to straightening your teeth and improving your smile. Please keep reading to learn more about when it is time to pursue orthodontic treatment.

Following is some of the signs that you need orthodontic treatment 

Gaps between your teeth

Gaps between your teeth might signify that you need orthodontic treatment. Tooth size discrepancies, bad habits from thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting, and genetics can cause gaps in the smile. Gaps make your smile aesthetically unpleasing and can increase the risk of periodontal disease since food and bacteria can get stuck between them. Orthodontic treatments such as braces and aligners can move the teeth back into their proper position, filling these gaps and protecting against gum disease. 

Headache

Misalignment of the jaws can put pressure on the muscles at the base of your skull and neck, causing tension headaches. If you experience frequent headaches, this could indicate that it is time to explore options for treatment with an orthodontist. Orthodontists have tools and techniques to help adjust the bite and reduce muscle tension. With timely action, it may be possible to avoid future chronic headaches caused by misaligned teeth or jaw issues.

Jaw Aches When You Wake

If you start to experience jaw aches when you wake up in the morning, have difficulty keeping your teeth together, or find that your jaws shift and make audible sounds when you open and close your mouth, these could be signs of an underlying dental issue. It may not always be comfortable at first, but with the right orthodontic treatment plan, you can eventually achieve a better smile and improved functioning of the jaw joints.

Difficulty in biting

Difficulty biting, cross biting, and overbite could indicate that you need orthodontic treatment. Overbite, where the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth too much, can lead to excessive wear on the lower teeth and severe jaw pain. Crossbite causes the upper teeth to fit inside the lower ones instead of outside them, which can cause uneven wear on the teeth and difficulty eating certain foods. 

Crowded teeth

When teeth overlap or become too crowded when you smile, it can cause the teeth to shift out of place and make your bite misaligned. It could lead to difficulty speaking and possibly eating, as well as jaw pain and headaches from having an imbalanced bite. You can get a straighter, healthier smile with the right care and treatment plan.

Difficulty in pronouncing some words

Difficulty pronouncing certain words could be a sign that you need orthodontic treatment. Misalignment of the jaw, teeth, and lips can interfere with proper pronunciation. People may struggle to pronounce letters such as b, p, and f when their bite is off. With braces or aligners, words can be easily pronounced. If you have difficulty with speech due to your misaligned teeth, it may be time to seek orthodontic treatment to help get your smile back in order.