While routine dental care is always important, there are certain dental and jaw problems that orthodontists like to see early.
A beautiful, confident smile comes with more benefits than mere appearance – it is a key component to maintaining your overall oral health and wellness. If you’re not sure if it’s time to make that appointment, knowing the average symptoms can help you know if it’s time to schedule an appointment.
At Neal Smiles Orthodontics, your preferred Orthodontist in Bothell, we offer individualized attention catered to your distinct dental needs. We realize that smiles are like fingerprints and early orthodontics can help avoid many problems in the future. Here are 5 important red flags that warn it’s time to see an orthodontist.
Crowded or Misaligned Teeth
One of the most obvious indications that you should seek orthodontic treatment is when your teeth appear crowded, crooked or are overlapping. Crooked teeth are more difficult to keep clean and can result in cavities, gum disease and have higher levels of plaque accumulation. An orthodontist will evaluate your bite and suggest treatments — such as braces or clear aligners — to straighten your teeth and create better oral hygiene.
Difficulty Chewing or Biting
If you cannot bite or chew your food uniformly, or have discomfort doing so, the reason could be due to a malocclusion such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. This can result in uneven wear on the tooth surface and even contribute to jaw pain or headaches. Seeing an Orthodontist in Bothell can help align your bite so that it works efficiently, while making sure it is comfortable.
Speech Problems
There are speech difficulties which are due to the dental or jaw relationship, such as lisps or difficulty saying certain sounds. If difficulties persist with speech, orthodontic evaluation may determine whether tooth position or bite are contributing to the problem, and treatment can help establish proficiency and confidence in speech.
Jaw Pain or Clicking Sounds
Persistent pain in your jaw, regular headaches or a clicking or popping sound when you open or close your mouth could indicate TMJ problems, which commonly result from the teeth not fitting together properly. Early treatment of orthodontics can alleviate pain and avoid wear and tear of the jaw joint.
Gaps or Protruding Teeth
Visible spaces between teeth, or teeth that are protruding, can be more than a cosmetic issue, they may impact your oral function and health. Blunted points are more vulnerable to injury and gapped teeth can trap food and plaque. At Neal Smiles Orthodontics, our orthodontic treatments can help remedy this, boosting aesthetics and oral health.
You can count on Neal Smiles Orthodontics for Expert Care
If you see any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, act quickly to consult a professional. At Neal Smiles Orthodontics, we offer complete orthodontic consultations and personalized treatment plans that cater to your specific needs. Our friendly and professional team are committed to helping you along your dental journey toward a healthier and more beautiful smile.
“Never let the small things become the big things.” Meet with Neal Smiles Orthodontics, your favorite Orthodontist in Bothell today and start your journey to a lifetime of healthy smiles and confidence.