Top 7 reasons to visit an Orthodontist

An orthodontist is a dentist who is specialized to treat the misalignment of teeth and asymmetry of the face using various appliances such as braces. Orthodontists make a treatment plan as per your specific growth pattern and jaw size. So, visit one if you want a straighter and much brighter smile! Today, we have Dr. Kanchan Sawlani Dentist and Research Trainee, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) at Safdarjung Hospital, take us through the top 7 reasons why you must visit an orthodontist today. Timely screening: Prevention is always better. When our jaw is growing and the teeth are erupting, there are several transitional stages between the eruption of primary teeth and their replacement by permanent successors. Therefore, it is advisable to visit an orthodontist regularly during the ages of 6-12 years (mixed dentition period) so as to monitor the growth and development of teeth. Timely onset of treatment can improve results and reduce the need for extractions. Premature loss of deciduous teeth is a warning signal. The deciduous or milk teeth start to exfoliate by the age of 6 years, starting with the lower CI (Central Incisor). By the age of 12 years, all the teeth in the jaw are mostly permanent (except wisdom teeth which erupt between 18-25 years of age). Crowding of teeth: Crowding is a dental problem wherein teeth are crookedly arranged as there isn't enough space for them. It is difficult for your brush or floss to reach these clustered areas, which further results in gum problems and calculus deposition. Protrusion of teeth: Abnormal protrusion of teeth is not only aesthetically undesirable; it makes the more exposed front teeth increasingly prone to trauma and accidental chipping. It may also be an indication of abnormal and unsynchronized growth of the jaws. Such jaw discrepancy can be corrected with the best results if treatment is started during the growth spurt period; for example, the prepubertal growth spurt in boys (14-16 years) and girls(11-13 years). Improper bite: One must visit an orthodontist in case one notices an abnormal biting pattern. The normal bite relation is when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth vertically and horizontally by approximately 1-2mm. If this vertical overlap is excessive, it is called a deep bite. It there is no overlap, it is called an open bite. If the lower teeth overlap any of the upper teeth, this relation is known as a cross bite. Parafunctional habits: Parafunctional habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting (between upper and lower teeth) can lead to an open bite. An easy way to detect these habits is speech impediment or lisping. On the other hand, bruxism or grinding of teeth at night can cause attrition and a deep bite. These habits can be controlled using habit breaking appliances which are a part of preventive orthodontics. The ugly duckling stage is a transient self-correcting malocclusion which appears as a broad space or flaring between the upper two central incisors. This occurs due to pressure from the erupting canines. This condition is common in ages 8-9 years old and does not require any orthodontic treatment.