Orthodontic treatment goes beyond just getting a straighter smile. This area of dentistry has a lot to do with keeping your teeth and jaw healthy, too. And it’s definitely not just for kids. Lots of adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment. When it comes to orthodontics, the key is to catch issues early on, before they turn into bigger (and more expensive) problems than they need to be.
At Pennant Hills Dental Centre, we help people of all ages with our range of trusted orthodontic services. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to book an orthodontic appointment for either your child or yourself, then this article is for you. Read on to learn about some of the biggest red flags to look out for.
1. Crowded or misaligned teeth
Crowded teeth make it harder to clean your mouth properly. Plaque and food get stuck in places your toothbrush can’t reach, leading to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. For children, crowding often shows up around age seven when adult teeth start coming in. If there’s not enough space, teeth grow in at odd angles or overlap. When this happens, early orthodontic treatment can help guide the growth of the jaw and prevent bigger problems down the track. Waiting too long can make treatment more complicated and could even lead to tooth extractions.
For adults, misalignment often worsens over time. Teeth naturally shift as you age. And if they’re already crowded, it usually only gets worse. This can make maintaining optimal oral hygiene difficult, causing decay and gum issues. Plus, misaligned teeth can put uneven pressure on your bite, leading to discomfort or wear on certain teeth. Braces or aligners (Invisalign) can move teeth into a better position, making them easier to clean and reducing the risk of long-term dental issues.
2. Bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite)
Your bite is how your top and bottom teeth fit together. If something is off, it can cause serious problems with chewing, speaking, and even jaw health. An overbite, where the top teeth stick out too much, can lead to uneven wear or even cause the lower teeth to hit the roof of the mouth. An underbite, where the bottom teeth sit in front of the top ones, makes chewing uncomfortable and can put stress on the jaw. A crossbite, where some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, can lead to chipping and gum recession. An open bite, where the front teeth don’t touch when you bite down, can make it difficult to eat properly.
In kids, bite issues are much easier to fix, as the jaw is still growing. Orthodontic treatment can guide jaw development using braces or other oral appliances, which can prevent the need for surgery later. Adults’ jaws, however, are already fully developed. So, fixing bite problems can take a bit longer and may require more complex treatment.
4. Jaw pain or clicking sounds
Jaw pain, clicking, or popping noises when you open and close your mouth could be a sign of TMJ disorder. This happens when the jaw joint isn’t working properly, often because of stress, teeth grinding, or an unbalanced bite. If left untreated, TMJ problems can lead to headaches, facial pain, and even trouble opening your mouth wide.
Adults are more likely to develop TMJ issues after years of grinding, clenching, or dealing with an untreated bite problem. The longer it goes on, the worse it can get. Orthodontic treatment can help relieve pressure on the jaw by aligning the teeth properly, reducing strain on the joint.
Kids don’t often experience jaw pain, but if they do, it’s worth checking whether it’s linked to an underlying bite problem. If a child regularly complains about jaw discomfort or struggles to chew, an orthodontic assessment can rule out early issues before they become bigger problems. Jaw pain is never something to ignore.
5. Teeth grinding (bruxism)
If you wake up with a sore jaw, dull headaches, or sensitive teeth, you might be grinding your teeth in your sleep. Grinding (or bruxism) puts a lot of pressure on your teeth, wearing down enamel and increasing the risk of cracks, fractures, and jaw strain. It’s also closely linked to TMJ issues and, in some cases, sleep apnoea.
For adults, stress is often a major trigger, but an unbalanced bite can make it worse. If your teeth don’t align properly, your jaw works overtime to compensate, leading to clenching, grinding, and long-term sensitivity. Orthodontic treatment can help by correcting the bite and relieving pressure on the jaw.
In children, occasional grinding is common, especially during growth spurts. But if it’s frequent, loud, or causing tooth wear, it could point to an underlying issue like a misaligned bite or sleep-disordered breathing, including sleep apnoea. Kids with sleep apnoea often grind their teeth as their body subconsciously tries to reopen the airway. If your child also snores, breathes through their mouth, or struggles with restless sleep, early orthodontic intervention can help by correcting jaw development and improving airflow. We often find that after the airflow is improved, children stop bed-wetting, concentrate better at school, and generally begin to thrive.
6. Gaps or missing teeth
Gaps between baby teeth are normal, but if permanent teeth come in with large spaces, it might point to a jaw development issue. Teeth naturally shift to fill empty spaces, and without intervention, they can move into the wrong positions. Braces or aligners can help close gaps and keep teeth aligned properly.
In adults, missing teeth can cause the surrounding teeth to shift, leading to misalignment and bite problems. If you plan to get an implant or bridge to replace a missing tooth, orthodontic treatment may be necessary first to create the right amount of space and reverse a collapsed bite created by the missing tooth. The longer you leave a gap, the more your teeth will move. This can make treatment later on more difficult than it has to be.
If you’ve lost a tooth or have noticeable gaps, getting orthodontic or dental implant/tooth replacement advice early can prevent bigger issues with alignment down the track.
7. Prolonged thumb-sucking or mouth breathing in children
Thumb-sucking is a natural reflex for babies and young children, but if it continues past age five, it can start affecting dental development. The constant pressure from a thumb or dummy can push the front teeth forward, leading to an overbite or open bite. The longer the habit continues, the more difficult it is to correct. Early orthodontic intervention can help prevent long-term alignment problems.
Mouth breathing is another issue that can affect a child’s jaw development. Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can lead to a narrow upper jaw and misalignment of teeth. It can also contribute to dry mouth, which increases the risk of cavities. If your child regularly breathes through their mouth or snores, an assessment can determine if orthodontic treatment is needed to encourage proper jaw growth.
Quality orthodontics near me
If any of these signs sound familiar, don’t wait! Orthodontic problems don’t fix themselves. They only get harder and more costly to treat later.
At Pennant Hills Dental Centre, our goal is to help you and your family achieve optimal oral health for life. We offer reputable orthodontic services for both adults and children. From traditional metal braces to virtually invisible clear aligners or a full bite correction, we have you covered. Our experienced team can create a personalised treatment plan and ensure you receive the right orthodontic care for your specific needs. Book an initial consultation today at our Pennant Hills practice and take the first step toward your best smile!
