How to Know Whether You Need Orthodontic Treatment

Maintaining a regular routine of oral hygiene is a must for everyone. The proper care of one's teeth is important for everyone, but certain people may have far more serious dental issues than just those that may be prevented by brushing and flossing. When a person's teeth are crooked or their jaw is out of place, they may need to see an orthodontist. Although it's a novel idea, your dentist should be able to put your mind at ease quickly. Orthodontic practices like Larson Orthodontics provide both traditional braces and Invisalign in California.

However, when is the best time to visit one? Luckily, there are certain obvious warning signals that you and your regular dentist will be able to recognize. Get in touch with Larson Orthodontics and explain your need for further assurance testing by utilizing the following criteria.

Malocclusion

This is by far the most common explanation for why patients visit an orthodontist. Problems with tooth alignment can have several sources, including thumb sucking, trauma, and genetics. Some misalignments are so tiny that they might not even need to be fixed, while others might lead to serious difficulties when eating or talking. It may also affect how well your teeth are cleaned. Plaque and bacteria build up quickly on crowded teeth because it is more difficult to brush and floss effectively.

Flaws in alignment include crowding and gaps. Check for these flaws in your mouth by looking in the mirror. But your family dentist could see something off with your teeth before you do and suggest seeing an orthodontist.

Problems With Your Jaw

Teeth alignment is heavily influenced by jaw structure. Jaw discomfort that won't go away might be caused by any number of problems that an orthodontist can fix. You probably have a crooked jaw, which makes biting incorrectly difficult. If you have dental problems, it might be difficult to eat and speak normally. Besides those, it may cause earaches, headaches, and other discomforts.

Bite problems can include:

● Overbites

● Underbites

● Crossbites

● Closebites

● Open Bites

Problems with your jaw joint (TMJ) might be contributing to your poor bite. Temporomandibular joint disorder damages the hinge between the lower jaw and the skull. If your TMJ is displaced or damaged, you may feel discomfort in your ears or cheeks when you move your jaw or hear a clicking or popping sound.

Treatment options for TMJ dysfunction might range from conservative measures to surgical reconstruction. But it may include the following:

● Put in a nighttime splint or mouthguard.

● Exercising your jaw causes the muscles to lengthen and thicken, making your jaw stronger.

● Taking medicine to reduce pain and inflammation.

All of this is well within Larson Orthodontics' scope of expertise.

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

To grind or clench one's teeth is a symptom of Bruxism, also known as bruxism. Many people have the habit of clenching their jaws or grinding their teeth when they are angry. However, it can damage teeth and lead to other problems if it becomes a habit. When you stop grinding your teeth, you may get relief from symptoms like a dull, constant headache or an earache. You may also have a sensitivity to both hot and cold foods as your teeth age. Experiencing jaw pain or discomfort is possible. One of your teeth might get chipped.

A mouthguard can protect your teeth from damage; an orthodontist can make one for you. Most people who grind their teeth do it while sleeping, so you may only need to use the device occasionally.

Seeking Professional Advice

A referral to an orthodontist is nearly guaranteed if your regular dentist notices anything out of the ordinary. On the other hand, you can choose to be the one to initiate things. Whether or not it's been recommended, Larson Orthodontics treats patients of all ages in Riverside and, soon, Corona, CA.

Their number one priority is making sure their patients get the care they need. Your scheduled appointment will begin with a thorough evaluation to determine the nature and extent of your condition, as well as the most effective course of treatment. Their team is also sure to ask you what your goals are for your treatment so that they can work with you accordingly and to your fullest satisfaction.

Taking care of your mouth and teeth involves more than just brushing and flossing. Having a mouth that is easy to control is also crucial. If you call Larson Orthodontics right away, you can prevent further pain and the possible loss of teeth.