IN SHORT
There are many reasons why you might want to visit an orthodontist, including the following:
- Crowded teeth or gaps between teeth
- Teeth that are not erupting
- Protruding upper or lower teeth
- Malocclusions
- Inability to fully close the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
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There are many reasons why you might need to visit an orthodontist. In this article, we’ll look at the top 8 reasons why young patients and adults consult.
Crowded teeth
Some patients have jaws that are often too small in comparison with all their teeth. In this situation, it’s possible to slightly modify the growth of the upper jaw to create enough space for the missing teeth. There’s a device specifically designed for this task.
Gaps between teeth
First, it’s important to verify that the patient’s teeth are developing correctly. It’s better to avoid early intervention unless the lack of space prevents some teeth from growing normally. An appointment at your orthodontist will determine the right treatment.
Teeth are not erupting
This condition can be caused by a variety of factors. First, the teeth could be trapped inside the bone. This often means there’s not enough space. An examination will help determine the cause.
Furthermore, not everyone necessarily has all their teeth. It’s important to investigate before going any further. An X-ray will help your orthodontist understand the situation better. At this point, there are two options: either we wait until the child is older so that the gaps are naturally filled with other teeth, or we take care of it right away. When you visit an orthodontist, they will help you find the right treatment.
Sometimes, some teeth can stay trapped in the bone and cannot come in by themselves. In that case, it’s important to determine the underlying cause and act quickly. Surgery is generally considered a treatment option for this condition.
The upper teeth protrude more than the lower teeth
In this case, the gap between the teeth needs to be measured. If it’s not too wide, it’s possible to correct the problem during adolescence.
However, if the gap is too wide and the child is being teased by their friends, it may be time to consider treatment. In this case, you may choose to use fixed or removable braces. Your orthodontist will recommend the appropriate treatment.
The lower teeth protrude more than the upper teeth
This situation requires an effective and rapid solution. As the lower jaw grows more widely than the upper jaw, the problem will only get worse if the lower teeth protrude more.
Malocclusion
If malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth) is left untreated, it will affect the alignment of the teeth and often lead to complications in the future. A beautiful smile is not only desirable for its aesthetic appeal, but also for other, more practical reasons.
Inability to close the mouth
The inability to close the mouth completely results from a deformity caused by the teeth not touching one another. This can be very troublesome and lead to various problems, such as difficulty chewing or digesting food.
If this condition remains untreated during childhood, maxillofacial surgery will be required in the future. If the condition is left treated into adulthood, it will also lead to digestive complications.
Difficulties with chewing
These difficulties arise because few teeth are in contact with one another. This makes it more difficult to break down food into small pieces.
The recommended treatment often involves the use of a device that applies pressure towards the base of the bone, causing both the teeth that are touching and those that are not to move backward. Finally, this treatment will ensure that all teeth come properly into contact.
It’s never too late to visit an orthodontist
In conclusion, while there are many reasons to consult an orthodontist, only a professional can properly assess your situation and recommend the right treatment. Located in Montreal, in the heart of the Plateau-Mont-Royal, Dr. Normand Bach offers a first visit to assess your needs. Book your appointment today!
