If you notice that your or your children’s teeth do not align properly, it’s possible that they could have missing teeth, a misaligned jaw, or misaligned teeth. In addition to impacting appearance, these issues could cause digestion issues, impaired speech, poor oral health, and even pain or discomfort. An orthodontic specialist can help resolve these problems. Here are some signs that indicate it is time to see an orthodontic specialist.

Crowded Teeth

If teeth look like they are touching or overlapping, it is safe to say that this condition will not resolve itself. Crowded teeth are a sure sign that it’s time to see an orthodontic specialist. When someone has crowded teeth, it can cause difficulty speaking and chewing as well as discomfort and a lack of confidence in your smile. In some cases, crowded teeth can potentially cause severe pain when left untreated. One reason for this is that they make it much more difficult to clean your teeth properly, which can lead to bacteria build-up and other issues.

Overbites and Underbites

An orthodontic specialist can help when you have problems with your bite. A bite problem could mean you have an underbite, an overbite, or some other irregularity. For example, your front teeth may stick out too far, or your back teeth may be pushed back. Each of these is commonly caused by jaw misalignment. A specialist can correct these alignment problems with braces and retainers.

Crooked Teeth

While crooked teeth are not typically a problem, they can alter the way your smile looks as well as how easy it is to properly clean your teeth. Visiting an orthodontic specialist will help you determine how to correct the problem. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, an evaluation should occur when there is any sign of an orthodontic problem. Snaggleteeth and crooked teeth, such as those jutting forward or out at a diagonal, indicate such a problem. That said, a child’s first visit with an orthodontist should be no later than age seven.

Other Dental Issues

If you are beginning to experience temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) signs, it is time to visit a specialist. These signs include clicking or popping when you move your jaw, stiff or sore jaw, and tenderness on your face. There are treatments that can shift teeth into a better position to remove pressure on the joint. If you are having any other pain or problems with your mouth, it may be time to visit an orthodontic specialist to see how they may be able to help you.

These are some of the more common reasons you might visit an orthodontic specialist. If you are having any problems that are new or worsening, an orthodontist can assess the situation and find a solution that will resolve any discomfort and improve the overall look of your teeth and smile. Contact the experts at David Ross Orthodontics today for a consultation!