Having a healthy smile is important and it’s one of the first things people notice when they meet you. Everyone deserves to feel confident in their smile. That’s why regular visits to the orthodontist are necessary, no matter your age. With regular visits to an orthodontist, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and looking their best. Orthodontists provide essential services to help people feel confident in their smiles. If you are considering seeing an orthodontist, but you don’t know when Rufe Snow Dental explains when you should have regular check-ups. Rufe Snow Dental Team explains what orthodontics is and the different times it may be beneficial to visit an orthodontic specialist.
Regular Cleanings and Exams
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that everyone visit their dentist every six months for regular cleanings and exams. These visits are necessary because they help maintain good oral hygiene and detect potential problems early on before they become serious issues. During these visits, your dentist will look for signs of decay, gum disease, misalignment of teeth, or any other problem that needs attention from an orthodontist. Your dentist may notice any irregularities or problems with the alignment of your teeth or jawbone structure during your visits. Then your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist for further evaluation and treatment options if necessary.
First of all, what is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry specializing in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of teeth and jaws that are misaligned or malformed.
Why you may need an orthodontist?
Orthodontists specialize in dental issues related to improper alignment of the teeth or jaw. Orthodontists use various methods such as braces, retainers, and Invisalign to help straighten teeth and improve the overall appearance of a person’s face. They help correct problems like crooked teeth, overbites, or underbites, cross bites, open bites, deep bites, and other irregularities. They can assist in correcting certain speech impediments caused by misalignment in the jaw.
In addition to providing corrective treatments, they can also provide preventive care through regular check-ups.
When should you see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first visit to the orthodontist at age of seven because this is when some permanent teeth start coming in. However, if there are any signs of misalignment earlier on—such as crooked teeth or a misaligned bite—it may be beneficial to see an orthodontist sooner rather than later.
For adults who have never seen an orthodontist before but would like to have their bite evaluated or discuss possible treatments for misalignment issues with an expert in the field, they should schedule a consultation with an AAO-certified professional.
How often should you go for a check-up?
The AAO recommends that most people visit their orthodontist once every six months for routine evaluations and cleanings. This helps ensure that any developing problems can be detected early on so that the proper treatment can start on time. If you have any concerns about your bite or alignment between appointments with your orthodontist, make sure to bring them up during your next scheduled visit so that your dentist can address them accordingly.
4 Signs you need an orthodontic exam
In addition to scheduling a cleaning and exam with your dentist every six months, some signs can indicate you need an orthodontic exam sooner rather than later.
- When you experience pain in your mouth or jaw area due to misaligned teeth or jawbone structure, this can be a sign that you need an exam with an orthodontist.
- When you experience any discomfort while eating or speaking due to misalignment in your jaw or teeth, it is likely worth scheduling a consultation with an orthodontist to see if any treatment might be necessary.
- When you notice any changes in the shape of your face over time due to misalignment of teeth or jawbone structure, this should also prompt a trip to the orthodontist as soon as possible.
- When your child has lost all their baby teeth but still has some adult teeth that haven’t come through. This may be a sign of an underlying issue to be addressed by an orthodontist.
Other cases to consider seeing an orthodontist
Many people choose to visit an orthodontist just for cosmetic reasons. Whether it’s to give their smile a boost or address facial symmetry issues, these treatments can have a significant impact on one’s confidence!
Lastly, another good time to consider visiting an orthodontist is after having extensive dental work done. As they can advise whether further treatment would be beneficial.
Regular visits to the orthodontist play a crucial role in maintaining good oral hygiene and having a beautiful smile. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends scheduling appointments every six months for routine evaluations and cleanings.
But additional visits may be necessary if any irregularities related to tooth alignment arise between appointments. You must consider scheduling a check-up with an orthodontist as soon as possible so that any potential issues can be diagnosed promptly and treated accordingly.
Taking proactive steps towards keeping your mouth healthy will pay off in both short-term comfort and long-term results.
If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort due to misalignment in your jaw or teeth, want to make cosmetic improvements to your smile, or have had recent dental work, it may be time to consider seeing an orthodontist.
A consultation with Rufe Snow Dental will provide insights into whether further treatments are necessary and can set you on the path toward achieving greater confidence in your smile!
