REASONS TO SEE AN ORTHODONTIST
If you have questions or concerns about the spacing, position, or alignment of your teeth, it may be time to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. Seeking orthodontic care early can help prevent more serious dental issues and support long-term oral health. Dr. Lia Baros is a top-rated orthodontist treating those in Denver, Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Westminster, and surrounding areas, known for providing personalized care and unparalleled treatment for every patient. Whether you’re exploring treatment options like braces or Invisalign, an orthodontist can evaluate your needs and recommend a personalized plan for a healthier, more confident smile.
CONDITIONS WE TREAT
Visible Teeth Misalignment
If your teeth are crowded, protruding, spaced, or misaligned they can impact your confidence. These kinds of issues aren’t just cosmetic—they can affect how you bite, chew, and even clean your teeth. The good news? An orthodontist can evaluate these issues and recommend braces, Invisalign, or other treatment options to help improve your oral health and boost your confidence!
Bite Problems (Malocclusion)
When your teeth don’t line up properly, it can lead to difficulty chewing, jaw pain, and long-term dental wear. Sometimes teeth alignment is the problem, and other times the jaw might be misaligned. An orthodontist can assess whether the problem lies in the teeth, the jaw, or both—and provide the right treatment.
Oral Discomfort or Pain
Persistent pain in the jaw, gums, cheeks, palate, or tongue can be caused by misaligned teeth. You might be accidentally biting your cheeks or having trouble with teeth that are erupting at odd angles. If you’re experiencing discomfort—especially while eating or speaking—an orthodontist can help identify the cause and recommend solutions. Always rule out cavities or infections with your general dentist first.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
Grinding your teeth—particularly at night—might be a response to stress, but it’s often triggered by an improper bite or jaw alignment. Orthodontic treatment may help stop the grinding by correcting how your teeth come together.
Speech Difficulties
Speech impediments—especially in kids—can be caused by improper tooth alignment, which affects how the tongue and mouth muscles function. Early orthodontic intervention can help correct structural issues that may be impacting speech, especially in children who are still developing language habits.
Mouth Breathing
You might not even realize it, but breathing mostly through your mouth instead of your nose could be linked to orthodontic concerns such as narrow arches or misaligned jaws. It’s not always the case—but if you or your child are a frequent mouth breather, it’s definitely something to mention at your next orthodontic visit.
Difficulty Closing Lips or Mouth Hanging Open
If it’s uncomfortable or awkward to fully close your lips, your teeth could be the reason. Protruding teeth or jaw misalignment can make it hard to rest your mouth naturally. Corrective orthodontic care can improve both comfort and appearance.
Facial Asymmetry
Your teeth and jaw structure play a significant role in the symmetry of your face. Misalignment can subtly or dramatically alter your facial appearance. While you may not think to see an orthodontist for this, they can often provide solutions that improve both functionality and facial harmony—boosting your self-esteem in the process.
SEEKING TREATMENT
Now that you have a better idea of why you might want to see an orthodontist, you may be wondering—when’s the right time to start treatment? Should kids be evaluated early, or is it better to wait until they’re older? And what if you’re an adult considering braces or Invisalign for the first time? Here’s what to know:
ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS FOR CHILDREN
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist by age 7. That might sound early, but it’s the perfect time to catch any developing issues before they become more complicated. At this age, kids have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and an orthodontist can spot subtle problems with jaw growth, spacing, and bite alignment—even if everything looks fine on the surface.
Sometimes, no treatment is needed right away. Most children do not begin regular orthodontic treatment until between the ages of 9 and 14. But early evaluations help plan for the future and can often prevent the need for more complex procedures later on. For example, if a child’s upper jaw is too narrow to fit all the incoming teeth, a palate expander may be used to guide natural development—avoiding surgery or more intensive treatments down the road.
Early screening is especially important if your child was a thumbsucker, lost baby teeth very early or late, has speech or breathing issues, or you’ve noticed anything unusual about their bite or alignment. Even if treatment doesn’t start right away, knowing what to expect helps everyone feel more prepared.
ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS FOR ADULTS
Orthodontics isn’t just for kids and teens. In fact, as of 2019 one in four orthodontic patients today is an adult per the American Association of Orthodontics—and that number is growing! Whether your teeth have shifted over time, you missed out on treatment when you were younger, or you’re simply looking to improve your smile, adult orthodontics can make a big difference.
Today’s treatment options are more comfortable and discreet than ever. From clear aligners like Invisalign to ceramic braces that blend in with your teeth, there’s something to fit every lifestyle. And just because you are older, that does not necessarily mean your treatment will take longer than it does for children. Older patients tend to be more compliant with at home care and instructions, which can result in a shortened active treatment period.
Misaligned teeth aren’t just a cosmetic concern. Left untreated, they can lead to gum disease, uneven wear, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing. Taking care of these issues now can mean better oral health—and more confidence—for years to come. Be proactive and take steps today to get treated for a better tomorrow!
READY TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP?
Whether you’re exploring early evaluation for your child or finally ready to invest in your own smile, Dr. Lia Baros is here to help. She takes pride in offering personalized care and creating treatment plans that fit your lifestyle and goals—no pressure, just honest advice and expert guidance.
Let’s talk! Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.