Orthodontics can give you a straight and healthy smile. 

Many people think of orthodontics as something you only need during your developmental years to straighten your teeth. However, you may be surprised to know that you could still need treatment even if you’re an adult, and for a variety of reasons in addition to teeth alignment. 

Whether you missed treatment during childhood or have developed new issues, these 3 signs can indicate whether you need orthodontic treatment to ensure your oral health.

1. Your Teeth Show Signs of Wear

Orthodontic issues don’t just affect how straight your teeth look. They also have long-term oral health repercussions. Premature wear on your teeth is among the most common signs that you need orthodontic treatment.

When your bite doesn’t come together properly, your teeth can begin to wear away at each other as they make irregular contact. This gradually breaks down the enamel, which does not grow back once removed.

With thinner enamel, you are likely to develop sensitive teeth. You also have less of a protective layer, allowing tooth decay to take hold more quickly. Tooth decay can reach the inside of a tooth more quickly if your teeth are worn.

Additionally, orthodontic issues leave your teeth at greater risk of physical damage for the same reason. If your bite doesn’t come together properly, individual teeth can bear disproportionate pressure. This makes them more likely to crack or chip, especially if some physical accident brings your bite together forcefully.

You should see your dentist if you notice any signs of wear on your teeth. Whether you need orthodontics or treatment for grinding teeth or other issues, they can help. Keep in mind that treatment options like Invisalign make orthodontics easier.

2. You Keep Getting Cavities

Have you found yourself dealing with frequent cavities? While you might put the blame on your brushing routine or diet, you should also consider the role that orthodontic issues can play. Crooked or crowded teeth can increase your risk of cavities, as can a variety of bite issues.

When you have bite issues, you can experience disordered breathing. The shape of your palate and other factors can affect how your jaw sits while you sleep. This can often lead to sleeping with your mouth open or an increased tendency to breathe through your mouth during the day.

Breathing through your mouth leads to dry mouth, a condition where your mouth doesn’t have enough saliva. Saliva plays an important role in preventing tooth decay. Dry mouth provides perfect conditions for the bacteria behind tooth decay to thrive, accelerating the process.

Crowded and overlapping teeth also make brushing and flossing more difficult. Plaque can build up in cracks and crevices more easily, contributing to tooth decay and gum disease. A straight smile is easier to clean and care for, ensuring your oral hygiene routine is as effective as possible.

3. You Experience Bite Issues

Have you noticed pain or soreness when biting and chewing? If so, it could be due to an orthodontic issue. If your bite doesn’t come together properly, biting and chewing can be difficult or even painful.

This issue can also contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. The irregular way that your jaw closes and opens can cause stress on the joint between the upper and lower jaw. You could experience jaw pain while chewing, or even an aching pain that persists at rest.

Your jaw is only likely to continue to become worse if you continue without orthodontic treatment. Further damage can accumulate over time, making biting and chewing even more difficult in the future.

Any pain while biting or chewing is a good reason to see your dentist. Visiting an Invisalign dentist in Austin can open the door to effective and comfortable orthodontic treatment.

Extra. Watch Out for These Other Signs

While these signs are among the most prevalent, there are many additional signs that can mean you need orthodontic treatment. 

Taking a closer look at the alignment of your teeth is one way to see if you are exhibiting any of the signs. Watch out for:

• Overbite or underbite.
• Overlapping teeth.
• Crowded teeth.
• Spacing that is too far, too close, or uneven.
• A gap between your front teeth.
• A mismatch between your midline of upper and lower teeth.

There are many indicators of possible orthodontic issues. Fortunately, you can experience effective and comfortable orthodontics with Invisalign treatment, which is preferred by most adult orthodontic patients.

Take Advantage of Orthodontics with Invisalign

If any of these warning signs apply to you, then consider scheduling a consultation to find out whether you need orthodontic treatment. There is no age limit to Invisalign treatment, and its discreet look makes it popular with adults. 

At Parmer Lane Family Dentistry, we provide Invisalign treatment that can deliver stunning results in almost all adult orthodontic cases. Through our work, our team cares for the whole person, and we strive to build long-term relationships with all of our patients. Schedule an appointment today with your Invisalign dentist in Austin to see if you’re a candidate.