An orthodontist is an expert in repairing smiles.
Orthodontists are still dentists
, but not all dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists are the specialists who'll address specific issues you're having with your teeth placement or jawline and then correct the issues.
Their work is centered around these specific issues and there are several reasons why you might want to seek orthodontic treatment. Your oral health has a big impact
on your body's overall health. If you ignore oral health issues, then you could lead yourself down a path of more health issues to come.
Rather than allowing your oral and overall health to decline, it's time to take a few proactive steps. Below are a few symptoms and reasons to seek orthodontic treatment in Stockton, CA.
Here's what you need to know!
1. Trouble Chewing
Chewing and eating foods is something that should be done without a second thought. You shouldn't have to worry about certain food causing you trouble while chewing. If you experience pain, discomfort, or sensitivity while chewing foods or drinking certain beverages, then it might be time to see an orthodontist.
Eating should be enjoyable, not painful.
2. Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is common during sleep. You might be grinding or clenching your teeth in the middle of the night and not realize it. If you wake up in the mornings or in the middle of the nights and notice your jaw is sore, then it could be from grinding your teeth.
If you believe you might be a teeth grinder, then it's essential that you see an orthodontist as soon as possible, because it can cause other issues
down the road.
3. Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth or crooked teeth can cause pain both physically and mentally. If there's not enough room in your mouth for your teeth, they'll begin to crowd. This can be quite painful, especially when wisdom teeth start to emerge.
Crowded and crooked teeth can also cause someone to lose their confidence. An orthodontist will take the appropriate measures to have the teeth straightened.
4. Misaligned Bites
There are several types of misaligned bites. Overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites are all symptoms that an orthodontist will address and correct. If you believe your bite is off in one of these ways, then it's best to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist.
Just like with crowded or crooked teeth, the orthodontist will straighten the teeth and correct their placement for a beautiful smile.
5. Teeth Gaps
The opposite of crowded teeth is teeth with gaps. Gaps are another issue that an orthodontist can help with. Whether you are having spacing due to how your teeth grew in or due to a missing tooth, your orthodontist will assess the situation and then go over the best treatment plan for you.
6. Problems With Speech
Some speech impediments come from issues with teeth. If you've health with a stutter or a lisp when you speak, it might be something that your orthodontist can fix. Not all cases are alike, but it's something to bring to your orthodontist's attention and have him or her investigate.
7. Headaches and Jaw Pains
When your teeth aren't in their proper places, such as crooked teeth and misaligned bites, it can cause headaches and jaw pains. If you experience frequent headaches or suffer from jaw pain, then this is something to consider. Speak with your orthodontist about any pains you might have outside of your mouth as well.
There are both removable appliances used in orthodontic treatments and fixed appliances. The removable devices are used to treat minor issues with the teeth. Fixed appliances are used for more serious issues that will need long-term treatment.
Removable Appliances
Slightly crooked teeth can be corrected using the following removable appliances:
- Cheek Bumpers-
prevent pressure on teeth from the cheeks or lips
- Retainers-
prevent teeth from moving into their pre-treatment positions
- Aligners-
a removable alternative to traditional braces, which takes around one yearto correct issues
- Headgear-
worn around the head and creates healthy jaw and teeth growth
- Palatal Expanders-
expands the top jaw into a wider position
Removable appliances like Invisalign are beneficial
because you can take them out when you eat and drink or brush your teeth. When you're done, simply replace them. Invisalign is a great option because they're more comfortable and no one will even know you have them!
Your orthodontist will be able to answer all questions pertaining to any of these removable appliances.
Fixed Appliances
Fixed appliances are the more common devices used in orthodontics. The following are a few examples:
- Braces-
a variety of materials are placed on the teeth to correct a smile, which may take several months or years
- Special-Fixed Appliances-
used in serious thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting cases to correct the bad habit
- Fixed-Space Maintainers-
prevents baby teeth growing in from growing towards open space meant for another baby tooth
Deciding between a removable appliance and a fixed appliance will depend on your own unique situation and advice given by your orthodontist.
The right time to start orthodontic treatment will depend on your own circumstances. The best time, however, is around the age of a preteen or early teenager. When all the adult teeth have grown in, treatment can then start without the need to wait for other adult teeth to grow in.
If you believe you need to see an orthodontist for treatment, first schedule your appointment and allow the orthodontist to assess your teeth. You'll be asked about your dental history, a dental exam and x-rays will be done, and molds of your teeth will be taken before an orthodontist will go over a treatment plan with you.
