Did you know that more adults are seeing an orthodontist than ever before? The number of orthodontic treatments has people excited about getting a straighter, brighter smile! Some of you might be interested in teeth straightening, but unsure of whether you should see an orthodontist in Michigan.

Fortunately, there are a few telltale signs that can help you know when it’s time to visit one and get the smile that you have always dreamed of.

See below for an in-depth guide listing all of the situations in which you should visit your local orthodontist. The result will be a better smile for the rest of your life!

1. You Have Bite Issues

Be wary, most people that have bite issues are in denial that they have complications. If it’s something you’ve been dealing with your entire life, you might not even realize you have it.

Most people are familiar with overbites, but you may not realize that there are actually four different types of bite issues:

  1. Overbites
  2. Underbites
  3. Crossbites
  4. Open bites

Overbites, as the name would imply, are when the front of your upper teeth cover over the lower teeth whenever you have your mouth closed.

Those with an underbite have the polar opposite issue. The lower teeth stick out past the upper teeth when your mouth is closed. This can take a significant toll on your jaw bone structure if not corrected.

Those that have a crossbite have a misaligned row of upper teeth and lower teeth. This can result in a grouping of teeth or just one tooth.

Lastly, open bites are when you have a gap between your upper teeth and lower teeth when your mouth is closed.

Each type of bite issue causes its wave of problems. Believe it or not, they can affect such things as your digestive system, speech, and headaches.

Don’t wait any longer for assistance. Schedule an appointment to learn more about our orthodontic treatments today.

2. You Have Trouble Sleeping

Perhaps you’ve always found it difficult to sleep at night. Maybe your sleeping patterns have gotten progressively worse through the years.

Whatever the case might be, interrupted sleeping can be a sign of orthodontic issues.

Crooked teeth have a trickle-down effect when it comes to collecting Zs. The way your teeth are currently aligned might affect your sleeping patterns, making it difficult for you to inhale or exhale as you rest.

The result is sleep apnea, a sleep disorder where your breathing consistently stops and starts. Most patients turn to a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device to temporarily solve their sleep apnea.

But getting orthodontic treatment might be able to give you a permanent solution! It can treat your sleep disorder and give you a better smile. It’s a win-win.

Before you start registering for sleep studies, be sure to reach out to an orthodontist in the Birmingham MI area.

We can perform tests of our own to see how your teeth are affecting your sleep and come up with a cost-efficient and time-efficient way to solve it.

3. You Experience Frequent Headaches

Whenever someone experiences chronic headaches, they’re quick to assume that it’s due to things like dehydration, stress, or neck pain.

However, there’s one area that’s even closer to your brain that might be the source of the problem: your jaw/teeth.

Depending on the severity of your misaligned teeth, the upper and lower sets of teeth might be grinding up against each other while you sleep, work, or exercise.

The result is a sore jaw, which results in frequent headaches. A lot of times, a headache is just your body’s way of warning the brain of a nerve issue.

Imagine being able to free your life of those massive headaches. Envision getting the chance to take back your daily productivity rather than taking timeouts to deal with your pain.

We can assess the condition of your teeth and get down to the root of the problem, providing you with the best treatment options as well.

4. You’ve Had Many Cavities

We’re not kidding. All this time, you may have thought that those cavities were your fault when they were just the byproduct of your teeth’ alignment.

Patients with bite issues are far more likely to experience cavities, gum disease, and many other dental hygiene issues.

Parents, make sure to save your children from years of aches and pains. Get them orthodontic treatment to produce positive oral health in their lives.

If you’re wondering, it’s not too late to get yours straightened as well! We have many patients in their 40s and 50s looking for a straighter smile.

5. You Have Gaps Between Your Teeth

Okay, this one might be obvious, but it’s important! If you have any gaps between your teeth, you should visit a Rochester Hills MI orthodontist.

Gaps can cause many different issues. If not corrected, you might develop cavities on the sides of the teeth as well as the top.

Gaps can also affect your speech and digestive system, throwing your entire body out of whack. Better to get those gaps closed up and gain access to a straighter smile in the process.

Visit an Orthodontist in Michigan Today

Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on when to see your local orthodontist in Michigan, be sure to schedule an appointment today!

Take the time to read this article for more information on tips for hiring the right orthodontist. To get started, reach out to our office near you and get the treatment you need.