Is it Time to See an Orthodontist?

Many people wait to seek orthodontic treatment for a number of reasons, the main one being that they're simply unaware that orthodontic treatment is what they need. Our team at Mack Orthodontics in Bettendorf, Maquoketa, and Eldridge is here to offer guidance on when to see an orthodontist by highlighting a few common conditions and problems we treat that should get attention sooner rather than later!

Bites

The most common reasons to seek orthodontic treatment are related to bad bite types (often referred to as malocclusions). When left untreated these issues can cause a number of problems, from speech difficulties to increased chance of injury to the teeth and jaw joint. The common orthodontic bite issues are:

• Crossbite - when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth
• Dental Midlines Not Matched - when the back bite does not fit or match properly
• Overbite - when the upper front teeth extend too far out over the lower front teeth
• Openbite - when the upper and lower teeth do not overlap
• Underbite - when the lower jaw extends too far out
• Upper Front Teeth Protrusion - when upper teeth extend too far forward or lower teeth don't extend forward enough

Crowding & Spacing

Crowding and spacing are other common issues that orthodontists treat. When your teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gums you can experience crowding, which has also been linked to periodontal problems and dental decay. Spacing, the opposite of crowding, is commonly caused by excessive jaw room for the size of erupting teeth. Crowding and spacing are the most common reasons to invest in braces or Invisalign for children, teens, and adults.

Experiences

In addition to the conditions above, there are a number of additional reasons to seek orthodontic treatment. Make sure to schedule an appointment with us if you are experiencing:

• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Speech difficulty
• Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
• Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or not at all
• Facial imbalance or asymmetry (certain features out of proportion to the rest of the face)
• Grinding or clenching of teeth
• Inability to comfortably close lips
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Prolonged thumb sucking, sucking of fingers, or other bad oral habits

Contact Our Bettendorf, Maquoketa, & Eldridge Team

If you are still unsure if your oral/dental condition warrants orthodontic treatment, please don't hesitate to contact Mack Orthodontics today in our Bettendorf, Maquoketa, or Eldridge office. We would love to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your orthodontic treatment needs.