Orthodontists like Dr. Goings of Goings Orthodontics specialize in creating confident, healthy smiles with braces and aligners. If you know you want to improve the alignment of your smile, you probably already know you need to see an orthodontist. We can help you determine the best time to start treatment, but how do you know when to set up your first appointment? Here are 6 signs it’s time to visit an orthodontist.
You Are Self-Conscious Of Your Smile
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you—it’s a powerful tool for expressing joy, warmth, and connection. However, if you find yourself avoiding photos, covering your mouth when you laugh, or feeling hesitant to show your teeth in social settings, it could be a sign that you’re self-conscious about your smile.
This lack of confidence can impact your personal and professional life. People who are uncomfortable with their teeth may appear less approachable or reserved, even if they’re genuinely friendly and outgoing. In some cases, self-consciousness about your smile can even lead to social anxiety or reluctance to participate in events where you’ll meet new people.
Everyone deserves to feel good about their smile. Consulting with an orthodontist is the first step towards making that happen. We’re here to support you every step of the way, helping you achieve a smile that reflects the real you!
You Notice Your Teeth Don’t Align Correctly
Spacing issues, like crowding, open bites, and gaps, are a very common reason to see an orthodontist. Not only can they be aesthetically unappealing, they can also make chewing, talking, and oral hygiene a little challenging. Utilizing metal braces, clear braces, or clear aligners, orthodontists can bring teeth closer together (or farther apart, depending on your needs) for a straighter, healthier, more attractive smile.
You Experience Frequent Jaw Pain
When your upper and lower jaws don’t align correctly, it can be uncomfortable and even painful. Why? This can create tension and pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). If left untreated, this ache can become a chronic condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
If you only have jaw pain in the morning, then you’re likely suffering from bruxism (grinding your teeth together while you’re sleeping). Over time, this can significantly wear down your teeth and lead to even more oral health problems.
You Notice Your Child Is Losing Their Baby Teeth Too Soon
Sometimes, your child hitting a milestone early is a great thing and is a sign that they’re on track to being healthy and happy. Other times, it’s a sign that they need to see a medical professional.
Children who lose their baby teeth earlier than expected should consult with an orthodontist. It might not seem like a big deal, but when they lose their baby teeth too soon, they’re more susceptible to crowding, teeth erupting in the wrong place, and teeth being stuck in the bone or gums, unable to erupt even if it’s where they’re supposed to be.
If you notice your child getting more visits from the tooth fairy than they should, we encourage you to have them evaluated by an orthodontist.
Your Child Is Almost 7
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should see an orthodontist by the age of seven. Even if your child doesn’t have any obvious signs of orthodontic issues like losing teeth early, crowding, or spacing, a smile assessment by an orthodontist is still a good idea. Our special training allows us to take a more thorough evaluation and see things you or a pediatric dentist might miss.
By age seven, most children have a combination of baby and adult teeth, which makes it the ideal time for an orthodontist to evaluate their smile. This early stage allows us to identify any current concerns, monitor developing issues, or spot potential problems before they progress. Addressing these issues sooner rather than later can often lead to simpler, more efficient treatments compared to waiting until the teenage or adult years. This means that a quick, free consultation around age seven might be able to save your family a lot of time and money in the long run!
Your Dentist Recommends Pulling Teeth
If your dentist believes you don’t have enough space in your mouth for all your teeth, we recommend getting a second opinion from an orthodontist before you schedule your appointment to have them pulled. An orthodontist might be able to use braces or aligners to make the space you need, allowing you to keep all your teeth.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today!
Whatever your reason for wanting to improve your smile, Goings Orthodontics is here to help. With our no-cost, no-commitment consultations, you can find out if braces are right for you with no catch or hidden fee. Schedule your free consultation in Fort Collins or Windsor today.