Everyone’s smile looks slightly different, some natural imperfections may just be a unique attribute, other imperfections may cause discomfort or self-consciousness. At Wonder West Orthodontics, we want you to have the most beautiful, functional smile that you can. Here are some signs to look for when deciding if you or your child should see an orthodontist:
1. Crowded Teeth
This problem is just what it sounds like: there simply isn’t enough room in the mouth for your teeth! Without sufficient space, teeth become crooked. This not only looks less appealing than straight teeth, but flossing and even brushing can become a difficult task. Crowded teeth are prone to tooth decay and gum disease because it is hard to clean them properly. Braces can straighten them out, so they look and feel their best.
2. Incorrect Jaw Position
Does your jaw crack, click, or shift? Does it look out of place or proportion to the rest of the face? Braces and other orthodontic devices can help put the jaw in its proper place. This can help with chewing, speaking, and pain reduction.
3. Tooth Gaps
On the opposite end of the spectrum from crowding, many people have irregular tooth gaps. Not only do gaps make many people self-conscious, but they can also lead to gum disease because food has more direct access to the gum’s surface. Braces help fix tooth spacing by reducing the size of gaps, ensuring a beautiful and healthy smile.
4. Irregular Bite
There is a wide variety of bite problems you or your child may face. An overbite, where top front teeth overlap and stick out past bottom front teeth, can increase your risk of trauma to the top teeth. An underbite, where top front teeth are behind top bottom teeth, makes chewing difficult and prematurely ages the face. A crossbite, where the top tooth is behind its opposing bottom tooth, can cause wear and damage to both teeth and gums. Finally, an open bite, where front teeth don’t touch, often leads to speech and biting problems. Braces can align teeth to fix most irregular bites.
Warning Signs That You May Need Braces
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) claim that the following factors may contribute to you needing braces. The factors include:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Teeth that meet in an abnormal way
- Mouth breathing
- Finger sucking or other oral habits
- Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude, or recede
- Speech difficulty
- Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
- Protruding teeth
- Difficulty of chewing or biting
- Facial imbalance or asymmetry
- Grinding or clenching of teeth
Need Braces?
Whether you know you have one of these problems or you are completely unsure. Contact Wonder West Orthodontics in London, Ontario and book a consultation. No referral is required. Our staff are friendly and professional and are ready to help you achieve the smile you want.