Orthodontic treatments are about more than just having a beautiful smile. While improved aesthetics are certainly a benefit, there are many reasons someone might be in need of treatment. At San Antonio Orthodontics, we have a team of highly skilled orthodontists in San Antonio that can evaluate your mouth to determine what your specific needs are and how we can help remedy any dental problems you may have.
Why Do People Need Orthodontic Treatment?
Dental problems come in many different forms and can cause a wide array of issues beyond the mouth. Here are ten common signs you might need orthodontic treatment:
- Crowding: If teeth are overcrowded or crooked, it can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Overbite: An overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth, eventually leading to tooth wear and jaw pain.
- Underbite: The opposite of an overbite, an underbite is when the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth. This can cause problems chewing, speaking, and with the alignment of the jaw.
- Open Bite: This is what it’s called when there is a gap remaining between the upper and lower teeth even when the mouth is closed. This can cause issues with biting and chewing.
- Crossbite: If some of your upper teeth land inside the lower teeth, this is called a crossbite. Untreated, it can cause uneven wear on the teeth along with stress on the jaw.
- Gaps: Excessive space between teeth can create alignment issues that make proper oral hygiene more difficult to maintain.
- Difficulty Chewing: If you find that you have a hard time chewing food, there’s likely an underlying tooth or jaw issue causing that struggle.
- Speech Problems: Orthodontic treatment may be helpful in relieving speed impediments, such as lisps or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.
- Jaw Pain: If you suffer from jaw pain or a clicking sound when opening or closing your mouth, it may be caused by a jaw alignment issue.
- Breathing Issues: Problems with the jaw, palate, or alignment can lead to mouth breathing, snoring, sleep apnea, and other breathing issues.
Most of these signs also include concerns surrounding appearance but often cause health concerns far beyond that. When orthodontic issues affect eating, speech, and sleep, your overall health and quality of life will be negatively impacted without pursuing treatment. It’s important to visit a San Antonio orthodontist as soon as these problems become evident in order to prevent further damage or discomfort that could potentially require a more complicated treatment.
Schedule a Consultation with San Antonio Orthodontics Today
If any of these signs seem familiar to you, it’s time to schedule a consultation with San Antonio Orthodontics. Our expert team will be happy to provide you with a comprehensive evaluation with a thorough explanation of your problem areas, along with the variety of orthodontic treatment options in San Antonio we can provide to set you on a path toward a healthier smile!
Explore our dental care financial and insurance options. Please contact the San Antonio Orthodontics office if you have any questions, or you can always check out our FAQs.