5 Signs It’s Time to See an Orthodontist for Teens

Adolescence is a sensitive time for your kids. A healthy, confident smile can help your teen face the challenges of these turbulent years. At SV Orthodontics, we can help resolve problems with crowded, crooked, or misaligned teeth to give your teen a healthy, pleasing smile. 

Below, Drs. Raman Samra and Elise Vincelette list five signs to look out for to indicate your teen has dental issues that warrant a visit to an orthodontist:

1. Crooked, Crowded, or Misaligned Teeth

Crooked, misaligned, or crowded teeth are obvious signs your teen needs to see an orthodontist. These issues can affect your teen’s confidence and self-esteem. They can also lead to future complications in oral health. When teeth are crooked or crowded, they’re difficult to clean, making your teen more prone to decay and gum disease. At SV Orthodontics, we offer clear aligners and braces for teens in Toronto who struggle with crooked teeth, allowing them to enhance the quality of their smile.

2. Discomfort or Difficulty Chewing

If your teen is experiencing discomfort or difficulty chewing certain foods, it could be due to a malocclusion, aka a bad bite. Problems with overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites can lead to jaw pain, improper chewing, and premature tooth wear. A consultation with your Toronto orthodontist will determine if bite problems are the cause of chewing difficulties, so your teen can get the orthodontic treatment they need. 

3. TMJ Pain, Clicking Sounds, Tension Headaches

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are responsible for jaw mobility, so you can talk, smile, laugh, and eat effortlessly. Misaligned teeth can place undue pressure on these joints, leading to jaw discomfort and pain, a clicking sound when you open and close your mouth, painful chewing, and/or tension headaches. By correcting alignment issues, your Toronto orthodontist can relieve these symptoms and keep this condition from worsening over time.

4. Unclear Speech 

Your teen’s teeth play an important role in speech clarity. Bite problems and gaps between teeth can impair pronunciation or cause your teen to speak with a lisp. If you notice these speech impediments in your teen, it’s time to visit an orthodontist to correct the problems causing these issues. Orthodontic treatment in conjunction with speech therapy can help improve speech clarity, making it easier for your teen to communicate with family and friends. 

5. Undue Wear and Tear on Teeth 

When teeth aren’t aligned properly, the chewing forces aren’t distributed evenly, causing some teeth to endure more pressure than others. This can lead to teeth chipping, cracking, or wearing down prematurely. Uneven wear is often a sign of an uneven bite. Through orthodontic treatment, we can correct these issues to protect the integrity of your teen’s smile.

Orthodontist for Teens Near Me

For the best that orthodontics has to offer in Yonge-Eglinton, Toronto, Ontario, contact Dr. Raman Samra or Dr. Elise Vincelette from SV Orthodontics at (416) 213-6646.

Dr. Raman Samra

Dr. Raman Samra, a dual-board certified orthodontist, combines his passion for art and science to transform smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine, magna cum laude, from Boston University, where he also completed his Master's in Dentistry and specialized in Orthodontics. A published researcher in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dr. Samra is a trusted member of the Canadian and Ontario Associations of Orthodontics. Recognized as a Top Dentist in Boston for several years, his dedication extends globally, having served on a dental mission in Panama to support underserved children.

Connect with Dr. Raman Samra on LinkedIn

Dr. Elise Vincelette

Dr. Elise Vincelette is an esteemed orthodontist with over a decade of experience recognized for her expertise and dedication. A magna cum laude graduate from the University of Vermont, she earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where she received the Excellence in Oral Medicine award. Dr. Vincelette is dual-board certified and was recognized as a Top Dentist in Boston for six consecutive years. She served as the team orthodontist for the Boston Celtics for seven years, exemplifying her skill and authority in her field. Passionate and personable, Dr. Vincelette ensures exceptional patient care.

Connect with Dr. Elise Vincelette on LinkedIn

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