If you think you have crooked or misaligned teeth, then you may want to see an orthodontist in order to get this fixed.
Regular dental checkups help maintain oral health, prevent gum disease, and other problems to give you a great smile. But a regular dentist cannot straighten your teeth; only an orthodontist can do that.
An orthodontist is a dentist that has had further training in straightening tooth and jaw misalignment to give you a nice row of straight teeth. They can help you regardless of your age.
When to See an Orthodontist
Here are the top 6 signs that it is time to see your local Las Vegas orthodontist:
1. You Have an Overbite
Your front teeth should overlap your lower teeth. But, if your front teeth overlap too far, it needs to be corrected. Having buck teeth can lead to tooth injury and other oral problems.
2. You Have an Underbite
If your lower teeth stick out further than your upper teeth, this is a sign of poor jaw alignment. This condition is harder to treat than an overbite — especially for adults. But an orthodontist can still correct this problem in most cases.
3. It’s Your Child’s 7th Birthday
This is a good age for an orthodontist to examine your child’s teeth because most kids will have a mix of adult and baby teeth at this age.
A Las Vegas orthodontist can spot potential issues before they become problems and take corrective action accordingly. Knowing when to see an orthodontist may save you from having to pay for major treatments later on.
4. Your Teeth Are Crowded
If it’s difficult for you to floss between some of your teeth, this is a sign that your tooth placement may need some adjustment. Braces and retainers can help your teeth to move farther apart and into correct alignment with each other.
Even if you’ve had braces in your childhood or teenage years, you may show crowding of teeth later in life and may need to treat that.
5. You Have Gaps and/or Spaces in Your Teeth
Many people who’ve gaps in their teeth feel self-conscious when they smile, knowing that they’re flashing this imperfection for all to see when they do. Just as with overcrowding, an orthodontist can correct gaps and move your teeth into proper placement with each other.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, then an orthodontist can create a good foundation for an implant by moving your current teeth into the correct formation. This can ensure that your teeth will look as natural as possible and give you that great smile you’ve always wanted.
6. You Underwent a Major Orthodontic Treatment
Once you’re done with your braces or Invisalign treatments, you’ll still need to check in with your Las Vegas orthodontist occasionally to ensure that your teeth are still where they should be.
This is especially true during the first year after treatment when you should probably expect to visit your orthodontist at least once every few months. Afterward, your orthodontist will tell you how often you’ll need to come in from then on.
A Las Vegas Orthodontist That Can Help You
Orthodontists can correct various oral problems like crowding and misalignment of teeth. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your local Las Vegas orthodontist if you have one or more of the problems listed above.