Did you know that there are more than 4 million people in the United States alone who wear braces? Out of that number, 25% of people who wear braces are adults. What many people don’t know is that braces and other orthodontic procedures are not just to improve the appearance of your smile, but they can help to solve tooth and jaw problems as well.
So, if you’re wondering why you should bother seeing a local orthodontist, this article has 7 big reasons to convince you that it’s a good idea. To start, let’s take a look at one of the most important reasons why people tend to see an orthodontist in Billings, MT.
1. Your Teeth Are Crowded Together
People with crowded teeth tend to feel embarrassed about the appearance of their smiles. Of course, no one should feel embarrassed about their own smile. For that reason, family orthodontics can give someone a serious boost in self-confidence with a little teeth-straightening.
But there are more benefits of straightening crowded teeth than only aesthetic benefits. Crowded teeth can actually cause a lot of dental problems down the road, especially if you don’t get them treated early in life. Crowded and overlapping teeth make it difficult to brush and floss properly.
In this case, you will be unable to remove food particles and harmful bacteria from your teeth. Eventually, this will cause tooth decay, cavities, and even gingivitis. By straightening your teeth, you can solve these problems and ensure that your dental health remains in good shape.
2. Your Teeth Are Too Far Apart
People who have large gaps between their teeth tend to have similar problems as people who have crowded teeth. People with large gaps may also be ashamed of their smiles. Gaps tend to make teeth look larger or smaller than they really are.
Ultimately, gaps can create asymmetric smiles. But they can also create problems when it comes to chewing or speaking. To speak properly, some words require your tongue to interact with your front teeth.
If you have large gaps between your front teeth, you may find it difficult to pronounce certain words. If your tooth gaps involve your molars, you may find it difficult to chew. Fortunately, gaps between teeth are easy problems to solve with Billings orthodontics and all you usually need is a pair of braces.
3. You Have an Overbite
If you have an overbite, this means that your upper jaw and teeth tend to stick out significantly over your lower jaw and teeth. This may happen for a variety of reasons. For example, your upper jaw may be genetically predisposed to develop more than your lower jaw.
Whatever the case, those with overbites can have trouble speaking and chewing. They may also experience headaches due to the misalignment of their jaw. This is not to mention that an overbite can make some feel self-conscious about their appearance.
Fixing an overbite involves pulling the lower jaw forward to match the upper jaw.
4. You Have an Underbite
An underbite is the exact opposite of an overbite. It involves your lower jaw protruding beyond your upper jaw. As with overbites, underbites can cause various medical issues that tend to be more serious than aesthetic issues.
If you have a severe underbite, you may find that merely chewing on food can be an uncomfortable experience. People with underbites also tend to be more prone to dental damage and injury. As with overbites, people with underbites may experience headaches and neck pain because of how their jaw is misaligned.
5. Orthodontic Treatment Can Offer Psychological Benefits
There are many people who are ashamed of their teeth and smiles. People who are embarrassed about their teeth may try to hide their teeth behind their hands or sleeve when they smile. In extreme cases, some may try to avoid laughing or smiling completely.
This, of course, is no way to live. By straightening your teeth, you can soon feel much more confident about not only your teeth but your appearance as a whole. Most of the time, braces can render your teeth completely straight within a year or even less.
6. There Are Options to Fit Your Lifestyle
Many adults are concerned about wearing braces to work or job interviews. However, you don’t have to wear traditional metal braces if you don’t want to. There are plenty of options for braces so you’ll be able to choose the kind that suits you best.
For example, many adults enjoy clear braces because people won’t be able to tell that you’re wearing braces at all. Ceramic braces are more visible, but they are much more streamlined compared to metal braces.
7. Orthodontists Are Professionals
Beyond the benefits of straight teeth, another benefit of visiting an orthodontist is that orthodontists are experts in their field. When you visit an orthodontist, you will be able to explain exactly what you want from your teeth-straightening journey. By confiding in your orthodontist, you can be sure that you will end up with the best dental results possible.
An orthodontist will also be able to address concerns that an ordinary dentist might not be able to. Because of their special training, orthodontists are the ones you should go to when you want to improve the structural appearance of your smile.
Why You Should See a Local Orthodontist
If you were unsure if it would be a good idea to see a local orthodontist, you should now know all about the benefits of seeing one. From improving your self-confidence to improving your dental health, orthodontists can provide plenty of advantages for your teeth.
To learn more, contact us here.