Orthodontic treatment, often involving braces, corrects dental and jaw irregularities to improve overall oral health and bite function. While various signs may suggest a need for treatment, only a qualified dental professional can accurately determine if braces are necessary. Understanding these potential indicators can help you consider whether a professional evaluation is appropriate for your dental well-being.
Common Indicators
Several observable signs can suggest a potential need for orthodontic intervention. You might notice teeth that are visibly crooked, overlapping, or crowded, making them difficult to clean effectively. This difficulty can increase the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. Noticeable spaces or gaps between teeth can also be an indicator.
Individuals might experience difficulty chewing or biting food comfortably, which can sometimes lead to digestive issues. Frequent biting of the inner cheeks or tongue while eating is another common sign, suggesting that teeth are not aligning properly. Speech impediments, such as a lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, can also arise from misaligned teeth. Furthermore, jaw pain or discomfort, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, or stress on the jawline, especially after chewing, may indicate an underlying alignment issue.
Understanding Malocclusion
The underlying dental conditions are broadly termed malocclusions, or “bad bites,” which describe an improper alignment of the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed. Braces are designed to correct several types of malocclusion. An overbite, for instance, occurs when the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth. Conversely, an underbite is present when the lower front teeth extend beyond the upper front teeth.
A crossbite involves some upper teeth fitting inside the lower teeth when the mouth closes, rather than outside. An open bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth do not touch at all, even when the mouth is closed. Severe crowding means there is insufficient space for all teeth to align properly, causing them to be twisted or overlapped. Spacing issues refer to excessive gaps between teeth. These conditions can stem from genetic factors, habits like prolonged thumb sucking, or jaw developmental issues.
When to Consult an Orthodontist
Seeking professional advice from an orthodontist is a logical next step if you identify any common indicators or have concerns about your bite. For children, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this age, children typically have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing an orthodontist to identify subtle issues with jaw growth or emerging teeth that might be easier to address early.
While early evaluation is beneficial for children, orthodontic treatment is not limited by age. Adults can pursue orthodontic treatment at any point in their lives to correct alignment issues and improve oral health. A consultation provides information about potential issues and treatment possibilities without an immediate commitment to treatment.
What Happens During an Orthodontic Consultation
An initial orthodontic consultation typically involves a series of steps to evaluate your oral health and determine if treatment is necessary. The orthodontist will begin with a comprehensive clinical examination of your teeth, jaw, and bite to identify any misalignment or bite problems. This assessment helps them understand your current oral health and potential issues.
Diagnostic records are often collected during this visit. This may include X-rays, such as panoramic or cephalometric images, to get a detailed view of your teeth, jawbone, and facial structure, revealing issues not visible during a visual exam. Dental impressions or digital scans of your teeth might also be taken to create an accurate model of your bite. Based on these findings, the orthodontist will discuss identified issues, potential treatment options, and estimated timelines, and answer any questions you may have.