There are some chronic pain issues that are easier to ignore than others. When it comes to your mouth, dental pain is almost always a sign that something needs to be addressed. Not all dental issues can be fixed by a dentist, however. If you are experiencing any of the following issues, you should be looking to meet with an orthodontist as soon as possible.

Jaw Discomfort Can Become a Serious Issue

Many people have jaws that are not properly aligned. Having a serious overbite can make it difficult to chew, and it can also cause your teeth to grind into your lower teeth and gums. If your jaw has pain near the joints, you could have a disease known as TMJ, which causes strain in the joint and the muscles around the joint. Ignoring issues that persist with your jaw could mean permanently damaging mouth tissue and teeth. An orthodontist will help you accurately assess what is causing your pain by giving you an oral exam and, if necessary, an MRI.

Crooked Teeth May Cause Mouth Abrasions

In addition to jaw alignment issues, if you have teeth that are crooked and jagged, you may need orthodontic care soon. Particularly, if one or more of your teeth are cutting the sides of your mouth, and if these abrasions have caused abscesses to grow, you'll want to have an orthodontist examine you for braces. Where there are serious health concerns, your insurance may pay for some of the costs of your braces. Ongoing injury to your mouth from your teeth can lead to serious bacterial disease and virus, so you may qualify for coverage under your plan.

Looking Your Best Leads to Confidence

If you have been wanting to straighten teeth that have a little space between them, especially for a big event that you have coming up, you'll want to see an orthodontist soon. Although really crooked teeth and bites can take over a year to fix, some minor straightening can be done in six months or less. If you want your teeth to be perfect for that class reunion a few months down the road, you'll want to consider braces right now.

No matter what your dental problem, there is likely a remedy. Orthodontics have come a long way in the last ten years, and braces and aligning traces have made getting a great smile easier and more affordable for most people.