Orthodontic treatment can do so much more than give you a beautiful smile. It is important to have healthy teeth and overall oral hygiene so that you can feel at your best. You may not realize that oral health is actually a window into your health, and problems such as difficulty chewing, misaligned teeth, or shifting jaws must be taken seriously. When orthodontic issues are left untreated, people may experience gum disease, tooth decay, and abnormal enamel wear. By seeking Helena, AL orthodontic treatment, you can get help with creating a healthy smile, ensuring proper tooth and jaw function, maintaining a good bite for easier speaking and chewing, preventing tooth decay and loss by making teeth easier to clean, and avoiding costly dental procedures that may have resulted from untreated conditions. If you have questions about starting your orthodontic journey, contact our team at Backus Orthodontics today. Dr. Jeff Backus is happy to hear from you!
Signs Your Child Needs Care
If you are a parent, then you may be wondering when the best time would be for your child to receive orthodontic care. Generally, it is advisable that parents have their children seen by an orthodontist by the age of 7 years old. The reason for this is because children are at the stage where their teeth and jaw are still growing and if orthodontic care needs to happen, this is when it will be easiest. Some signs that it may be time to have your child visit us for AL orthodontic treatment are listed below:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth: there are ranges of normal variation, but losing baby teeth too soon or too late can cause issues with permanent teeth.
- Difficulty biting or chewing: eating should not cause pain. While there may be discomfort when teething, painful chewing could point to orthodontic problems that must be addressed promptly.
- Jaw clicking or shifting: if the lower jaw shifts due to a bite problem this can develop into jaw pain or other dental conditions.
- Mouth breathing: orthodontic care in itself does not fully correct mouth breathing, but an orthodontist can treat contributing factors associated with this condition.
- Cheek biting: the outer cusps of the teeth hold the cheeks away from lower chewing surfaces. Constantly biting cheeks may indicate a crossbite or other condition that prevents normal chewing.
- Facial imbalance: appearance of the chin, lips, and other facial features are impacted by underlying teeth and jaws. Our team can evaluate and correct the interconnectedness of the jaws, teeth, and face to achieve facial balance.
Backus Orthodontics
Even though we discussed orthodontic care for children, this treatment is helpful for everyone regardless of age. It is ideal to begin orthodontic care at a younger age, but anyone can seek Helena orthodontic treatment at any time. If you are wondering whether we can be of help to you, reach out to our team at Backus Orthodontics at your next convenience. We are happy to answer any questions you have, set you up with an appointment, consult with you, and discuss treatment options that are suitable for you. We hope to hear from you today!