There is a common misconception today that orthodontists only treat kids and teens. In reality, dental patients of all ages may need the help of an orthodontist, and 20% of patients who get braces are actually adults. Read on to find out about a few of the reasons that adults might need to visit an orthodontist in Indianapolis IN.
Shifting Teeth
Even if readers had braces when they were younger, they may still need to visit an orthodontist as adults because teeth shift over time. These shifts can cause pain and discomfort in addition to problems with self-esteem due to changing appearance. Thankfully, orthodontists are more than capable of helping their adult patients get the beautiful, straight-toothed smiles they need to feel comfortable with their appearances.
Overbite or Underbite
Most of the time, these issues are corrected in childhood. Readers who were unable to see an orthodontist in Indianapolis IN for their overbites or underbites can still benefit from seeking help as adults. Make sure to schedule a consultation as soon as possible, since allowing these issues to persist can wind up leading to premature tooth wear.
Jaw Pain
Not all orthodontic issues lead to crooked or misaligned teeth. Patients who are suffering from persistent jaw pain are typically referred to orthodontists by their family dentist. Orthodontists will be able to diagnose the cause of this discomfort and come up with a long-term treatment plan that will help.
Tooth Crowding
Tooth crowding isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It can cause potentially serious issues with tooth decay and gum disease by making it difficult for readers to keep their teeth clean. Orthodontists can work in conjunction with dentists and oral surgeons to come up with a comprehensive plan for treating crowded teeth even in older patients.
Large Gaps
Large gaps between teeth can be related to jaw misalignment. They can also leave gum tissue unnecessarily exposed, elevating the patient’s risk of developing gum disease.
Get Help Now
The bottom line is that any reader who has problems with tooth misalignment or jaw pain will likely require the help of an orthodontist. Check out Fishersdentist4u.com to learn more about one comprehensive dental practice that can help today.
