If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment for a family member or yourself, you may be wondering when you should see an orthodontist. The most straightforward answer to that query is that you should see an orthodontist whenever you have a question about the alignment of your teeth or the health of your bite.
Sometimes, orthodontic problems are painfully obvious. You may find it challenging to bite, chew, or speak without lisping. Or, some of your teeth may be sticking out, overcrowded, or located in the wrong place. If that’s the case, then you would be well-advised to consult an orthodontist. Orthodontists have the skills and training needed to diagnose and treat such problems.
Other Issues that May Require Orthodontic Treatment
Other conditions in need of orthodontic intervention may not be as clear cut. Other signs that orthodontic care may be necessary include:
- Clenching teeth
- Grinding teeth
- Mouth breathing
- An inability to close your lips comfortably
Furthermore, you may have an orthodontic issue if:
- Your jaws tend to shift in position frequently
- Your jaws make sounds as they move
- You are repeatedly and unintentionally biting your cheek or the roof of your mouth
Moreover, you may find that your teeth meet abnormally, which can lead to a facial imbalance where some facial features are not proportionate with others. An orthodontic intervention can often correct this.
Orthodontic Problems that Are Typically Seen in Children
The American Academy of Orthodontists (AAO) has specific recommendations for children. They say that children should have an orthodontic examination by age seven. There are two very significant reasons for this.
One reason is that there is a wide variance in tooth development at that age. It takes an experienced and skilled orthodontist to assess and identify a child’s orthodontic problem. An orthodontist can determine if there will be sufficient room in the mouth to accommodate the permanent teeth by the age of seven.
The second reason for an exam at this young age is that many problems are much easier to treat if they’re caught early when a child’s natural growth processes are in full swing. Early intervention can successfully treat particular conditions while a youngster’s jaw is still in a rapidly growing stage. However, if orthodontic intervention isn’t performed at this early juncture, the child may need oral surgery to correct the situation at a later date.
Orthodontic Problems Can Arise from Accidents and Trauma
Another issue both children and adults encounter is dental trauma. When an accident occurs, an impact may cause damage to the mouth, teeth, gums, or jaws. Orthodontic treatment may be needed to correct the damage done during the accident or trauma. Although most people choose to avoid costly dental repairs when possible, injuries with the potential to detract from the smile or the chewing, biting, and speaking abilities must be addressed quickly.
Plus, if you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic dental injury due to another person’s negligence or wrongful conduct, you might benefit from hiring a personal injury attorney to file a claim. Receiving compensation for the cost of your repairs and even your pain and suffering won’t make it all like it never happened, but it will likely help in the long run. Call an orthodontist Oceanside, CA like the professionals at John Redmond Orthodontics and schedule a consultation.
