Crooked or misaligned teeth can be a source of embarrassment, pain, speech, or breathing problems. An orthodontist Flushing, NY is a specialist trained to make teeth move and improve teeth alignment, giving you an even, healthy smile. Essentially, their job is to diagnose and correct misaligned bite patterns and malpositioned teeth, improving jaw alignment and making routine activities like chewing and speaking easier. But when exactly should you see an orthodontist? Here are five signs.
Lack of Confidence in Your Smile
It might seem superficial but a lack of confidence in your smile is a valid reason to see an orthodontist. Even if you don’t have any underlying oral problems, crooked, uneven, or gapped teeth can make you self-conscious, forcing you to avoid pictures, hide your smile, or avoid talking and laughing in public. This can get socially and professionally debilitating over time, affecting the overall quality of your life. You should always discuss your dental needs with an orthodontist, who could revamp your smile.
Pain or Soreness in the Gums, Teeth, or Mouth
If your gums, teeth, and mouth hurt for no apparent reason, there could be an underlying problem, such as misalignment. Teeth that are not in proper alignment often rub or bump against your gums and the inside of your cheeks, causing injuries and soreness. Such discomfort should alert you to a real problem, especially when it is recurring.
Problems Articulating
Your teeth, jaw, and tongue affect how you articulate words when you speak. If you notice a whistle or lisp when you speak, you may have gaps in your teeth or an overbite. Restricted jaw movement due to teeth placement can also cause you to slur, stutter, or mispronounce words. Additionally, if you have a tooth placement that prevents tongue-to-tooth contact, you may notice you have trouble with sounds like “ch,” “s,” and “t.” These are good signs to discuss realignment with your orthodontist.
Breathing Problems or Sleep Apnea
Airway blockages can cause breathing problems or sleep apnea. Sometimes, such blockages are caused by a narrow jaw that prevents your teeth from aligning properly, blocking the air passage. If you find yourself breathing through your mouth regularly, snoring loudly, and waking up tired, you may have sleep apnea. Talk to your orthodontist about whether an alignment could improve your symptoms.
Difficulty Chewing
Chewing is essential to eating and nourishing your body. However, when your teeth are misaligned, chewing can become a hassle and even painful. This problem often results from malocclusion, which causes open bites, crossbites, underbites, and overbites; all of which prevent your teeth from fitting together properly and exert undue pressure on your jaws. If chewing has become too painful, set up a consultation with your orthodontist.
Did you know that more than four million Americans seek orthodontic treatment every year? An orthodontist specializes in correcting bite and jaw misalignments, subsequently improving your oral health. If you believe you may need this kind of treatment, contact Yon Lai, DDS, PC, and the team at House of Braces to learn more about your suitability. Book an appointment online or call the Flushing, New York City office today.
