There are a wide range of reasons why people visit an orthodontist. Most adults choose to undergo orthodontic treatment because there is something wrong with the aesthetics of their teeth. There are some medical benefits that apply to adults and younger patients alike that can also come from visiting the orthodontist.
It is recommended that children between the ages of six and 12 years old visit an orthodontist in order to have preventative measures taken. It is better to prevent certain dental diseases than it is to treat them. The earlier a patient is aware of dental problems, the quicker and easier it will be for them to take steps to protect their teeth in the future.
Patients can receive orthodontic treatment to correct an abnormal bite. When a person’s bite is normal, their upper teeth would slightly overlap their lower teeth. The space between the overlap of the upper and lower teeth will be between one and two mm. If the overlap is a lot more, then there is something abnormal about the bite and should be corrected. In addition to affecting a person when they chew and speak, an abnormal bite can lead to a whole host of other problems.
Another reason why people visit the orthodontist is because the space in between their teeth is not even, which can lead to teeth that are either spaced too far apart or crowded together. The issues with crowded teeth aren’t just aesthetic. There are other issues that having crowded teeth can cause. For example, crowded teeth can make it a lot harder for them to properly floss their teeth and keep up with their general dental hygiene routine.
Parents may take their children to an orthodontist because they have some bad habits that are affecting their teeth. For example, if a child continues to suck their thumb after their teeth have come in, it can have a devastating effect on the structure of their teeth. It can cause their teeth to become misaligned, which will not only affect the child cosmetically but will also affect their ability to eat.
When a person has an abnormal tooth structure, it can affect their ability to speak properly. Some people will visit an orthodontist to help them address a lisp or other speech impediments.
Many orthodontic visits are simply preventative. People visit an orthodontist because they want to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. When a person’s teeth are misaligned, the problems that they have with their gums and teeth become exacerbated. When fixed with proper orthodontic treatment, a lot of the problems that lead to people losing their teeth later on in life can be prevented.
The importance of proper orthodontic care cannot be overstated. All orthodontists are dentists, yet not all dentists have received the training needed to be an orthodontist. At Petty & Bielik Orthodontics, our orthodontists have the training and expertise needed to provide you with the care you need. If you are seeking advice or orthodontic treatment with braces in the Oak Lawn area, contact us today for a free consultation!