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Show Your Teeth Some Respect

Think about how many times per day you rely on your teeth. You use them to chew breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. You press your tongue against them to make certain sounds when you speak. There's really no doubt about it — your teeth are important, and they deserve your respect. You can pay them that respect by visiting your dentist for regular cleaning and checkup appointments. You should also call at the first sign of dental pain, tooth discoloration, or other oral health changes. Read more about dentists and dentistry here on this blog, where we dive deep into related topics.

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Show Your Teeth Some Respect

3 Great Reasons To See An Orthodontist

by April Myers

While many people may regularly see a doctor to monitor their overall well-being, just as many are often hesitant about visiting a dentist or orthodontist to keep up their oral health. An orthodontist can be especially beneficial to people who struggle with any kind of structural dental issue. Here are just three reasons to talk to an experienced orthodontist in your area: 

Teeth Straightening

Perhaps the most common reason people see an orthodontist is that they need to have one or more teeth straightened. Sometimes this is simply a matter of preference, and the person having their teeth straightened is more concerned with their appearance than anything else. While appearance -- perceived or actual -- can have a profound impact on self-esteem and confidence, teeth straightening is not always purely cosmetic. Often, teeth that are not proactively straightened can cause serious oral health issues down the road, up to and including infection and gum disease. Having a conversation with your orthodontist can be the first step you need to take to prevent these outcomes.

Teeth Grinding

Even if you have a seemingly perfect set of pearly whites, you may still suffer from pain or discomfort in your jaw during the day. For many people, this very conundrum remains a mystery for years, until they discover that they have been grinding their teeth at night. This practice, however mild it might seem at first, can cause major side effects over time, including the wearing down of teeth that are otherwise in good condition. If you unconsciously grind your teeth while you sleep, talk to your orthodontist about ways you can prevent it.

Bite Correction

Many people have great teeth, but their jaw is aligned in such a way as to produce an imperfect bite. In some cases, patients may naturally possess an overbite, in which the top set of teeth protrudes slightly over the lower set. People with an underbite suffer from the opposite condition, in which the lower set of teeth stick out beyond the upper. In both cases, failing to address the underlying orthodontic issues can cause the problems to worsen, even affecting the jawbone itself. Fortunately, an orthodontist can easily recommend a proper set of aligners in mild cases or perform surgery in more severe ones. 

If you think you might need an orthodontic procedure but haven't considered it seriously, it's worth consulting with a dentist or orthodontist. If you are concerned about any of the above problems, consult with an orthodontist like Reed & Sahlaney Orthodontics, LLP as soon as possible. 

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