Dental Problems? 3 Reasons To Visit An Orthodontist

Posted on: 10 August 2021

If you don't dislike the appearance of your teeth, you might not think you need an orthodontist. However, that might not be the case. In fact, there are a number of reasons why a visit to an orthodontist should be in your future. Before you pass up the opportunity to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist, read the information provided below. You'll find three problems that an orthodontist can provide you with the help you need.

Bite Problems

When you bite down, your upper and lower teeth should fit flush. If they don't, you could be dealing with bite issues. There are three types of bite issues that can benefit from an orthodontist.

Overbite

If you have an overbite, you'll notice that your lower teeth fit behind your upper teeth when you close your mouth. Overbites increase the risk for gum damage and pain.

Underbite

If your lower teeth don't rest behind your upper teeth, you might think that you have a good bite. However, that's not the case. If your lower teeth extend beyond your upper teeth, you have an orthodontic condition known as an underbite.

Crossbite

If you have individual upper teeth that rest behind the upper teeth, you may have something called a crossbite. If you have a crossbite, you might have trouble chewing your food. Not only that, you might bite the inside of your mouth, increasing the risk for injuries.

Overcrowding

If your teeth don't fit properly in your mouth, you might be dealing with overcrowding. Whether you have more than 32 teeth, or your mouth is too small to accommodate the normal set of teeth, an orthodontist can help. Overcrowding can cause a variety of orthodontic problems. Some of those problems can include tooth decay and gum disease. If you're dealing with overcrowding, you need to talk to your orthodontist. They can remove the teeth that are causing the crowding.

Jaw and Palate Issues

If your dentist has diagnosed you with jaw or palate issues, it's time to consult with an orthodontist. You might not know this, but an orthodontist can provide you with treatment for issues such as TMJ, or narrowing of the palate. For instance, expanders can be used to expand the width of your jaw. In addition, orthodontic braces can be used for the treatment of TMJ.

Don't ignore the orthodontic issues that could be causing serious problems for you. If you're dealing with any of the issues described above, contact an orthodontist near you as soon as possible.

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Anyone who provides a service specifically for the youngest among us knows that treating kids must be approached very differently from treating adults. Children are not like adult patients. They require a dental team that makes children feel safe and secure at every appointment. The pediatric dental staff also needs to understand how to work with parents as well as young patients. As a pediatric dental hygienist and a mom, I understand that specific needs of children when they are visiting the dentist. This blog will explain exactly what kids need from a dental staff and will give options for making the dental office a welcoming environment to children. We can give a whole new generation healthy smiles by making pediatric dentistry the best it can be.