Signs You May Need Orthodontic Treatment (Even If Your Teeth Look Straight)

If you or your child has straight teeth and a good-looking smile, you may be surprised if your dentist refers you to an orthodontist for an evaluation of orthodontic treatment. Many people don’t realize that orthodontics is about much more than appearances. It’s also about function and oral health.

Why Straight Teeth Don’t Always Mean a Healthy Bite

Although you or your child’s teeth may be straight, their bite could be off. A healthy bite is about more than looks; it is about how the teeth work together. Issues such as overbite, underbite, open bite, and improper alignment can all lead to problems, including uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, TMJ Disorder, speech difficulties, chewing problems, dental caries, and bone loss.

Subtle Signs You May Need Orthodontic Treatment

• Difficulty speaking, such as a lisp
• Problems with chewing
• Morning headaches
• Clenching or grinding your teeth
• Jaw popping or clicking
• Jaw soreness
• Mouth breathing
• Chronic sore throat or dry mouth
• Facial asymmetry

If you have any of the above symptoms, an evaluation by Dr. Twohig can determine whether orthodontic treatment can resolve the issue and improve your health and wellness.

Signs in Children: When Early Intervention Matters

The signs of orthodontic issues in children can also be subtle, particularly since children aren’t likely to tell us when they have a problem because they may not realize there is anything unusual going on. If a child has always had difficulty chewing food, they may assume this is normal, not something to be concerned about. Some signs to look for in your child as their permanent teeth erupt include:

• Difficulty chewing or avoiding tough foods
• Mouth breathing at night
• Snoring
• Persistent digit or thumb sucking
• Grinding their teeth
• Lisping or speech issues

Early intervention is essential for successful orthodontic treatment of bite issues. When you begin treatment at a young age, the jaw is still developing and is more amenable to changes, potentially shortening and simplifying treatment time. Because the jaw is more malleable, it can be corrected more effectively, helping avoid more complex and expensive orthodontic treatment during the teen years.

Bite Problems You May Not Notice on Your Own

It is easy to overlook some of the less obvious signs of a bite problem that your dentist may notice at a dental checkup. There are also symptoms of bite issues that you may not associate with your bite, such as habitually biting your cheek or lip. Other subtle signs include overly sensitive teeth, pain when biting down or chewing, uneven tooth wear, and difficulty cleaning your teeth due to their alignment. See a dentist or contact Dr. Twohig if you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms.

How an Orthodontic Consultation with Twohig Orthodontics Can Help

Dr. Twohig, a leading orthodontist in Fond du Lac, uses a two-stage approach to orthodontic treatment to ensure potential bite problems and other issues are treated early on, before they become major issues. He focuses on early intervention, beginning at age 7, when the jaw is still developing and is more responsive to orthodontic treatment. His Two-Phase Treatment begins with diagnosis and treatment between the ages of 7 and 10. During this phase, the focus is on guiding jaw growth, correcting bad habits, and creating space as permanent teeth erupt. The second phase, between ages 11 and 13, focuses on properly alignment.

Not every child needs two-phase treatment, but when it is recommended, it can dramatically reduce overall treatment time. Dr. Twohig can monitor your child’s dental development as they grow so that any minor problems are noticed and treated early on, before they become major issues.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Twohig for you or your child, contact Twohig Orthodontics today at Twohig Orthodontics Phone Number (920) 923-2100. Early intervention now ensures a better bite later.