It’s every parent’s desire for their children to have a beautiful smile. This is associated with the confidence it gives them among their peers and the overall self-esteem it builds as they grow older. Seeing that an orthodontist can help you and your child have a straighter and brighter smile, the question most parents have is: what is the best time to visit our orthodontist in Matthews, near Stallings and Weddington, NC for early orthodontic treatment?
Our Matthews orthodontists, Dr. Neal Patel, DMD, MS, and Dr. Bhaven Sayania, DMD, MS often recommend early orthodontic treatment or evaluation as a good way to prevent orthodontic problems.
However, as orthodontic issues vary from child to child, the American Pediatric Society recommends that children should go in for an orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7. Hence, this guide focuses on the major things you need to know about orthodontic issues and why it’s essential for your child to visit an orthodontist at an early age.
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
Orthodontists are specialized in correcting various forms of dental malocclusions. They use fixed and removable dental devices, such as retainers, bands, braces, and Invisalign, to correct the position of your teeth. Our Orthodontist in Stallings, near Matthews and Weddigton, treats various dental abnormalities, including:
- Crooked teeth
- Jaw misalignment
- Teeth that are too far apart or crowded teeth
- Bite problems, such as an overbite or an underbite
The major reason why our orthodontist provides orthodontic treatment in Matthews is to improve your bite and enhance the appearance of your teeth. Having a healthy bite helps improve your speech, and allows you to correctly eat and chew.
If you’ve been searching for ways to improve your bite, you can now find an orthodontist in Matthews that corrects dental problems for kids and adults. Visit our dental office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Neal Patel.
Signs You Should Visit an Orthodontist
Various signs determine when you should visit an orthodontist. Some may require early orthodontic treatments especially when detected earlier. Below are the signs that indicate you may need orthodontic care:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- Problems with biting or chewing
- Grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw
- Upper and lower teeth don’t meet abnormally or don’t meet
- Mouth breathing
- Jaws extending forward, backward, or shifts improperly
- Severely protruding teeth
- Unbalanced facial symmetry or appearance
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist
According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), every child should get an orthodontic evaluation before or no later than age 7. This is because, at age 7, your child would already possess a mixture of primary and permanent teeth, which makes it necessary for them to have their first orthodontic visit.
Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they had been detected much earlier. Early orthodontic treatment eliminates the need for more extensive procedures or surgery, especially after your children have grown older.
If you observe that your child is having any of the symptoms we listed earlier, we recommend you schedule an orthodontic check-up with our Matthews orthodontist. We use Invisalign and braces for kids to help correct these issues safely.
Can I Get Orthodontic Treatment as an Adult?
Adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment, and they typically have better compliance. It’s also becoming more difficult to detect whether you’re wearing orthodontic appliances because clear aligners, translucent ceramic brackets, and lingual braces are becoming more widely available. We offer Invisalign in Matthews near Stallings and Weddington, NC, as a less noticeable alternative, especially if you’re concerned that metal braces might not fit with your professional appearance.
Also, it goes beyond appearances. Adult teeth with proper alignment are less likely to experience abnormal wear and are easier to clean and maintain. A healthier bite prevents difficulties with eating and speaking while also maintaining the healthy condition of your teeth, which can last a lifetime. You’re never too old to improve your smile. Call our orthodontist in Matthews near Stallings and Weddington today and stop delaying your orthodontic care.
Orthodontic Problems Our Orthodontist Treats
Occlusion describes how your teeth fit together and align. When your jaw is closed and the top surfaces of your molars are aligned, the upper teeth often lie over the lower teeth. However, sometimes teeth don’t always align and this is called malocclusion. Malocclusion is an issue with the teeth’s alignment and can have detrimental effects on your dental health.
Here are some of the orthodontic issues our orthodontist in Matthews treats:
1. Crowding of the Teeth
Having a crowded tooth makes it difficult to effectively brush and floss and this allows the formation of plaque, tartar, and avenue for bacteria to grow. If the crowding of the teeth isn’t corrected, it can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Our orthodontist in Matthews near Stallings and Weddington can help you correct your crowded teeth with a variety of orthodontic appliances. Contact our dental office today and let’s begin your treatment.
2. Overbite or Underbite
Overbite is also called deep bite and underbite is also called bad bite. They occur when either the upper teeth/lower teeth are protruding further than the lower teeth/upper teeth, and may cover them. Overbite or underbite can be caused by a malformed jaw.
However, we use Invisalign or braces to help to correct your bite issues. You will begin to see results within weeks of commencing your treatment.
3. Strange Teeth Spacing
Diastema, another name for spacing, is the term used to describe spaces or gaps between teeth that prevent the teeth from fitting properly in the jaw. Although they can occur anywhere in the mouth, they are most evident in the two top front teeth.
In children, once the permanent teeth erupt, the gaps may close up. However, some gaps are too large and this is what constitutes a major cosmetic issue. Our orthodontist uses Invisalign to treat strange teeth spacing. Let us know if you’re experiencing this issue and we will provide the best treatment you need.
4. Open Bite (Teeth Don’t Touch)
When the mouth is closed, the top and lower teeth should contact. Instead, an open bite keeps them apart, leading to a gap or opening between the teeth when you close your jaw. If your child is having an open bite, we have braces for kids that can help them effectively treat it. Reach out to us today!
Effective Teeth Straightening With Orthodontic Treatment in Matthews, NC
There’s only one place to find an orthodontist in Matthews, NC, that can provide the best orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth. At SP Orthodontics, we offer various orthodontic treatments to help improve your bite and straighten your teeth.
Our orthodontist is well vast with the use of Invisalign, braces, and other orthodontic appliances to restore your teeth to their most unique form. But one thing is certain, getting an orthodontic evaluation as soon as possible is always a smart idea. It enables our Matthews orthodontist to examine any potential issues and discuss with you the best course of action to allay your concerns and those of your child. Schedule an appointment with us today to begin your treatment.
