When is Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?

Signs You May Need Orthodontic Treatment

Almost every day we hear from concerned people who want to know why orthodontic treatment is necessary. Depending on your needs, the answer to this question is different for everybody. 

At DiCiccio Freeman Orthodontics, we believe that no two people, or their smiles, have the exact same needs. We will determine the best course of action for your unique needs during your complimentary exam. 

While many signs you need orthodontic treatment are easy to see, others may be less obvious.

That said, here are some clear signs that you may benefit from orthodontic treatment: 

Bite Problems

Having a bad bite — otherwise known as a malocclusion — is one of the most common reasons people seek treatment. Malocclusions occur when the top and bottom jaw are mismatched in size. Orthodontic treatment evens out the discrepancy between the top and bottom jaws.

If unaddressed, overbites, crossbites, and underbites can cause lasting damage to the gum tissue and teeth.

Dental Health/Oral Hygiene

A properly aligned smile is a healthy smile. Teeth that are crooked or jagged are more likely to trap food in hard-to-reach areas. Because these teeth don’t follow a regular pattern, they are harder to clean, resulting in plaque and decay. 

Addressing misaligned teeth promotes better dental hygiene, saving you time and money. 

Crowding 

Crowded teeth occur when the size of your teeth does not match the size of your mouth. Overlapping teeth are another cause of cavities that lead to the destructive build-up of plaque. 

Spacing 

Abnormally spaced teeth can cause dental problems. These spaces don't provide complete protection for your gums and leaves them exposed to damage.

Thumb Sucking

Prolonged thumb sucking can cause the upper jaw to constrict and makes the upper incisors flare out. Children who suck their thumbs for a long period of time are likely candidates for orthodontic treatment.  

More Confidence 

Gapped, crooked, or unsightly teeth can affect your confidence. Correcting these issues can provide a much-needed boost to your self-esteem. 

At DiCiccio Freeman Orthodontics, we offer many innovative and groundbreaking treatments to help you enjoy the perks of a beautiful smile. 

Benefits Of Early Treatment

It’s always a great idea to get an early start on your child’s orthodontic health. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, your child’s first orthodontic check-up should occur no later than age 7. At this age, your child has enough adult and baby teeth to evaluate and predict the growth of their smile. 

Getting ahead of developing problems can help reduce treatment time down the road. For many kids, interceptive orthodontic treatment produces quicker results than it does later on in adulthood. 

That said, most children will not need early treatment. During your complimentary exam, we will be able to get a better sense of your child’s unique needs.