Each year, over 4 million people in the US get orthodontic care for various reasons. More than a quarter of this population is made up of adults.
This is a novel development, given that most people who wore braces in the past were teenagers. So, have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror and wondered, “Do I require braces?”
Here are some commons signs you need braces from the best orthodontist in Sandy, Utah.
Underbite and Overbite
Underbite takes place when the lower front teeth are in front of the upper front teeth. This is a result of imbalanced jaw size.
The main causes of these bites are; genetics, childhood habits, tumors, and mouth injuries. All of these result in wearing of your front teeth.
Other effects of an underbite include:
- Difficulties in chewing and eating
- Tooth decay
- Headaches
- Speech issues
- Sleep apnea
- Chronic mouth breathing
Overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth. It’s a case that isn’t noticeable, but it comes with oral and health problems.
The main causes of an overbite include; tooth loss and a small lower jaw. Oral habits in childhood such as thumb sucking, lip sucking, and tongue thrusting contribute to an overbite.
If left untreated, they result in substantial health complications involving severe jaw pain. They also lead to extreme gum recession and tooth wear.
Teeth Shifting
This natural process slowly leaves one’s teeth out of proportion. Some of the key contributors to dental shifting include:
- Tooth loss
- Aging
- Periodontal disease
- Tooth wear
Keeping your mouth and teeth clean and addressing bite problems can help prevent this dental problem.
Crowding
This is where there isn’t enough space in your mouth to accommodate all the teeth. As you get older, teeth crowding worsens if you leave it untreated. Teeth crowding makes it difficult to maintain healthy gums and teeth.
It becomes a challenge to floss and brush regularly, resulting in gum bleeding and diseases.
Breathing Difficulties
Crowded teeth together with jaw misalignment create breathing problems over time, especially in kids.
If children breathe through their mouth more than their nose, it alters the shape of their face. Inappropriate positioning of the teeth blocks air from passing through hence affecting the natural position of the tongue.
Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
Baby’s teeth naturally fall out through resorption as the permanent teeth grow underneath. If these teeth fall out prematurely or too late, it causes a number of orthodontic problems.
This leads to speech defects, thumb sucking, and canine disruption. If this happens to your kid, visit a children’s orthodontist.
Underbite
Underbite takes place when upper front teeth are left behind the lower front teeth. It takes place when one has a disproportionate jaw size.
Genetics is the main cause of underbite. Other external causes include; tongue thrusting against the teeth, thumb sucking, and using a pacifier for too long.
Underbite complications range from mild to severe. They affect both mental and physical health. This is because they lead to chronic jaw pain. They later accelerate facial aging and cause facial appearance imbalance.
Crossbite
Are you having an upper tooth crossed behind a lower opposing tooth? If yes, you have a crossbite.
Genetics, abnormal permanent teeth eruption, and delayed teeth loss in a baby are the main causes of crossbites. Swallowing abnormally and sucking the thumb accelerates the damaging pressure.
In the long run, this leads to:
- Teeth sensitivity
- Teeth chipping
- Wearing the enamel
- Neck pain
- Headaches
It would help if you didn’t leave crossbites untreated because it is an abnormal bite.
Open Bite
If you bite your food down and your teeth don’t touch it, this is what is referred to as an open bite. The key causes of open bites are:
- Thumb sucking
- Pacifier sucking
- Skeletal problem
- Temporomandibular joint disorder
- Tongue thrusting
- Teeth overcrowding
Pain or discomfort when chewing, abnormal facial appearance, speech impediments, and mouth breathing are the main symptoms of open bites.
Spacing and Gapping
Spacing and gapping are the opposite of teeth crowding. This problem is mainly caused by missing teeth or having a big jaw.
Other times tooth spacing is a result of genetics. Environmental aspects such as tongue thrust and finger sucking are common causes of teeth gapping and spacing.
If this problem is left untreated, it leads to a misaligned bite. These bites can result in cracked and chipped teeth. Teeth gaps can put you in danger of oral infection.
Most people with teeth gapping have low self-esteem issues. The good thing is that it can be treated. If you’re a victim of this dental problem, visit family orthodontics.
Jaw Pain
Jaw pain is also another sign that you should visit an orthodontist. The temporomandibular joint that connects the skull to the jawbone no longer functions appropriately, leading to your jaw pain.
Grinding teeth at night is also another aspect that results in jaw pain. If you develop this problem, seek dental help immediately.
Hire an Orthodontist in Sandy, Utah Today
If you have identified any of the above dental signs, don’t hesitate to look for an orthodontist. These professionals can treat each of the above-listed problems. They can help you access braces to attain a proper dental alignment.
Are you looking for orthodontist services? We are the best Orthodontist in Sandy, Utah, and ready to offer reliable services. Contact us today to book an appointment.