5 Signs You Need to See an Orthodontist

Dentists, endodontists, orthodontists – The names can be confusing for many of us. For the unversed, an orthodontist is someone who specializes in treating malocclusion. If you have irregularities in the jaw and teeth, your family dentist in lawton may recommend seeing an orthodontist. While dentists can treat a considerable number of orthodontic concerns, sometimes an expert may help in fixing certain teeth issues. Contrary to what many believe, an orthodontist may be required for conditions beyond the need to “fix” a smile. In this post, we are sharing key reasons why you may need to see an orthodontist.

  1. You have pain or soreness in your mouth. You shouldn’t feel pain in your teeth or gums, and it could be related to many conditions, including misaligned teeth. Consider checking with an orthodontist to understand what’s causing the pain and discomfort.
  2. You have sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea, you will have issues breathing as you sleep because the airways are blocked. It could be related to a narrow jaw. You may have additional symptoms like dry throat after waking up in the morning or may even snore more loudly than other people. In many cases, orthodontic treatments have helped patients dealing with sleep apnea.
  3. You have talking issues. Have you been struggling with articulating as you speak? It could be related to overbite or gaps between your teeth, which may cause you to slur. Some people also have issues pronouncing certain words because the placement of their teeth is such that the required coordination between the tongue and teeth doesn’t happen. Speak to an orthodontist to consider teeth alignment options.  
  4. You are having a hard time chewing and eating food. It is often a clear sign of malocclusion and can make it hard to chew food. Orthodontic treatments can help in fixing such concerns, especially if you have a crossbite or underbite.
  5. You have worries about your smile. It is not rare for adults to get braces anymore. If you think your smile is not perfect because of crooked, misaligned, or gapped teeth, consult an orthodontist to understand how you can fix these concerns. When you are more confident about your smile, you can naturally see a difference in how you present yourself to the world.

Orthodontic treatments are safer and better now than ever before, and if you don’t want to get those metal aligners, consider going for invisible aligners that are as good. Your orthodontist can help you make a choice.

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