When to Seek Treatment – Bethel Park, PA
The Right Time for Professional Care
Are you or your child experiencing problems with your teeth and/or bite? Is it causing you to have difficulty eating, chewing, or speaking? Are you noticing signs of wear and tear on your teeth or pain developing within your jaw? If so, these are all reasons why you should seek help from a qualified orthodontist sooner rather than later. At Cartwright Orthodontics, we believe in helping our patients achieve healthier, more beautiful smiles but to do this, we find it is much more beneficial if treatment is sought early on. If you or a loved one need help to improve your oral function and overall aesthetics, call our office today.
Your Bite Alignment is Off
Underbites, overbites, crossbites, open bites, and misplaced midlines are all common occurrences, but they can cause more severe problems if left untreated. Not only are you at a greater risk for developing chronic jaw pain and excessive wear and tear on your teeth, but you may also feel as if your smile is inadequate or “less attractive.” To remedy this type of problem, Dr. Cartwright, Dr. Palmer, and our team can examine your bite and offer beneficial solutions that are designed to realign it to eliminate unnecessary pressure on your teeth and jaw.
You Have Spaces Between Your Teeth
While a gap between your two front teeth is “cute” when you’re a child, it can put you at a greater risk of developing tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease as you grow older. Bacteria and food particles can easily become trapped in these areas, and you may have difficulty effectively brushing and flossing your teeth. Although there are many reasons why these gaps can develop, we can use orthodontic treatment to bring your teeth closer together and eliminate these unnecessary spaces.
You Have Difficulty Sleeping
Sleep apnea affects millions of people throughout the United States. When you stop breathing or experience multiple interruptions for more than 30 seconds each night, this is a clear indicator that you may be suffering from sleep apnea. But how does this have anything to do with orthodontics? It is possible that certain facial abnormalities and oral problems can hinder your ability to breathe as well as sleep. To avoid the potential issues that can later develop as a result of sleep apnea, you can search for an “orthodontist near me” who can offer the right form of treatment while seeking help for your sleep disorder.
Your Teeth Are Crooked
This is often the most common reason people seek orthodontic treatment. Crooked teeth have been remedied with the help of braces for decades; however, advancements in technology and dentistry have made it possible to offer patients alternative solutions such as Clear Aligners. To determine which type of treatment is right for you and your needs, our team will examine your smile and offer recommendations for which you can review.
You Suffer from Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
If you wake up in the mornings dealing with jaw pain and begin to notice your teeth appearing thinner and more worn down, you are likely suffering from bruxism. Also known as teeth grinding, this common problem is often associated with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and can lead to serious health-related issues if left untreated. Orthodontics can help to realign your jaw and relieve the pressure being placed on it each night. It may be necessary to wear a customized mouthguard in addition to braces to remedy the problem in its entirety.
Your Teeth Sit Too Close Together
Just like individuals who can experience problems with tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease because of gapped teeth, others can be vulnerable to these same issues if teeth sit too close together. Known as overcrowding, orthodontists can easily apply braces to your teeth to encourage movement that creates necessary space. Over time, you will notice an improved aesthetic as well as a more even and aligned smile that is much easier to manage and keep clean.