When Should You See An Orthodontist?

There are several reasons to go see an orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child visits an orthodontist at least once by the time they reach age seven. Here are some other reasons why you should see an orthodontist.

TEETH SPACING ISSUES

You can have gaps between teeth anywhere in your mouth. Some people are genetically predisposed to spacing, and in some instances, it could be because some teeth are missing or are too small. In addition, there are people who end up with spaces between their teeth because of certain habits like thumb sucking, finger sucking, or tongue thrusting.

TEETH OVERCROWDING

One of the most common reasons why people visit the orthodontist is for teeth crowding. This happens due to there not being adequate space in the jaws to accommodate all of the teeth. This can cause you to become self-conscious about your smile. Additionally, people with overcrowded teeth suffer from uneven wear and tear of the teeth as well as gum problems. If you are suffering from tooth overcrowding, you should see an orthodontist as soon as possible so that the issue can be corrected.

OVERJET

This is a condition that is commonly mistakenly called an “overbite.” An overjet occurs when your top and bottom teeth have too much front-to-back overlap. An overjet usually results from a skeletal discrepancy wherein the upper jaw sits more forward the lower jaw. This is one of the most common reasons why people visit orthodontists.

OPEN BITE

This is an orthodontic issue in which the upper and lower teeth do not align as they should. The condition is usually a result of jawbone problems. However, in most patients, an open bite follows certain habits. Just like teeth spaces, you can get an open bite from thumb or finger sucking, tongue thrusting, and chewing foreign objects.

Most of these issues can be corrected by simple methods like the application of braces. However, some might require additional methods. If you are suffering from any of the above conditions, contact the Silver Smiles team, today!