Orthodontists are a category of dentists whose primary purpose is to treat malocclusion. Malocclusion refers to the misalignment of teeth. Although most malocclusion cases are moderate and can go without the need for treatment, it is still the most common reason why someone visits an orthodontist. If you ever have concerns about how your teeth or bite feel or look, it is your sign to see an orthodontist.
Several other reasons cause people to see an orthodontist, and this article will discuss those reasons. If you want to fix or transform your smile, visit an orthodontist in Fullerton, CA, today. Read on to learn more about signs indicating mandatory medical attention.
Here are signs indicating you need to see an orthodontist
- You have been experiencing pain or soreness in your mouth, teeth, or gums.
Occasional pain or tenderness in your teeth or gums is normal, but if the pain persists, there is likely a reason for it. If you have an improper bite or other issues in your mouth, you may experience persistent pain and soreness. To find out what is causing you pain, you need to see an orthodontist. They can use their equipment to check and determine the exact cause of pain and provide treatment accordingly.
- You have been suffering from sleep apnea or breathing troubles.
There are verified reports of orthodontic treatments improving sleep apnea and breathing problems. If you suffer from any breathing issues, it is likely due to your airways getting blocked because of a narrow jaw. It can be fixed with orthodontic treatments that help align your teeth and make pathways for air to pass through. One way to determine if you have sleep apnea is to notice whether you breathe through your mouth more than your nose and wake up with a dry and sore throat most mornings.
- You have difficulty chewing.
Eating is chewing. Chewing is essential for digesting and enjoying your food properly. It can become tricky and complicated to chew if you have an improper bite or teeth that are not appropriately aligned (malocclusion). Malocclusion is problematic for a variety of reasons. Dentists often advise patients to chew equally on both sides. This advice is for a reason. Chewing on both sides balances the effort and pressure your teeth and jaw take during each meal intake.
If someone keeps chewing from one side of the mouth, they will likely start experiencing pain on that side because of overloaded pressure. Getting malocclusion fixed is essential to avoid that. If you notice yourself often chewing on one side more than the other, you most likely need to see an orthodontist soon.
