When to Seek Treatment – Huntington, NY

Knowing When the Time is Right

An orthodontist in Huntington examining a patient’s smile to determine if braces are right for their needs

Are you wondering if you might need braces? Are you scrambling to find an “orthodontist near me” who can provide the level of care you need? At Huntington Orthodontics, Dr. Balicka is a board-certified orthodontist who can help you achieve the smile you deserve. Whether choosing traditional braces or another one of the many alternative solutions, she can help patients of all ages live a better life with a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing smile. To find out when you should start the process of getting braces, contact us today.

Bite Alignment

A young female wearing traditional braces to fix an overbite

Whether you are struggling with an overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, or a misplaced midline, a poorly aligned bite can lead to chronic jaw pain and excessive wear and tear on your teeth. Dr. Balicka can examine your facial structure to determine which type of treatment will offer the best results. In receiving treatment for a bite alignment issue, you will notice a dramatic change in the way your smile looks and feels, especially when performing normal daily tasks such as eating, chewing, and even smiling.

Gaps Between Teeth

An individual smiling to expose a gap between their upper front two teeth

When too much space exists between teeth, it can lead to bacteria and food particles becoming trapped. As a result, tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems can develop. Whether caused by genetics or a missing tooth, orthodontics is a great way to help bring your teeth together and eliminate unnecessary space.

Sleep Apnea

A young man asleep in bed with his mouth open and snoring

If your breathing stops or is interrupted for 30 seconds or more each night, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. This common sleep condition can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. It can also be linked to oral health problems, which is why accelerated orthodontics, in combination with proper sleep apnea treatment, is a great way to improve your smile and sleep patterns.

Crooked Teeth

Braces are most commonly known for their ability to straighten crooked teeth. No matter if your permanent teeth grew in at an odd angle or there is too much space between them, crooked teeth can make it difficult to maintain a healthy smile. Fortunately, orthodontics can help to shift and realign these teeth in a way that creates a beautiful aesthetic and improves your oral health.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

A young female lying in bed and holding both sides of her jaw in pain because of bruxism

Should you discover that you grind or clench your teeth at night, this can be a sign that orthodontics is in your future. Also known as bruxism, this common habit is often related to sleep apnea and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Although it can occur as a result of too much stress, it can cause problems with your jaw and tooth enamel, resulting in necessary treatment to help the jawbone and facial muscles relax as well as minimize the amount of wear and tear on your teeth.

Overcrowding

A person smiling to expose their bottom arch of teeth, which are overcrowded

If your smile is the victim of overcrowding, it may be time to inquire about getting help with orthodontics. Teeth that appear too close together can spell disaster for your oral health, much like gaps between teeth. Overcrowding makes it difficult to effectively brush and floss to remove harmful bacteria. When left untreated, you can begin to face issues of tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities. Not to mention, overcrowding can create an unpleasant aesthetic and be damaging to your tooth structures. With treatment, however, you will notice your teeth begin to shift, creating the necessary space for a healthier smile.