There are many signs it’s time to visit a local orthodontist in Wentzville or St. Peters. Dr. Humphrey at Humphrey Orthodontics has a list of 7 signs for you. After all, your smile is frequently the first thing people see about you. It’s got to make a good impression, right?
Before you look for the best orthodontic care in your area, you need to know what your issues are.
Straighten Up And Straighten Out
Crowded or crooked teeth are common reasons people seek orthodontic care in Wentzville or St. Peters. When your teeth overlap, twist, or sit too close together, it’s more than just a cosmetic issue—it can challenge brushing and flossing. Left unaddressed, you’ll notice plaque buildup (ick!), cavities (blek!), and even gum disease (gasp!).
Our Humphrey Orthodontics team offers a range of solutions to straighten your smile and improve your oral health. Whether it’s clear or metal braces, Invisalign, or InBrace hidden braces, we’ll work with you to find the treatment that fits your lifestyle and goals.
Straight teeth are easier to clean. And they give you the confidence to smile freely. Plus, correcting crowding early can prevent more significant issues down the road. Dr. Humphrey has local offices in Wentzville and St. Peters. We’re ready to help if you or your child struggle with crowded teeth.
When Your Bite Isn’t Quite Right
A misaligned bite can lead to more trouble than you might think, whether it’s an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. Sounds like a lot of different kinds of bites, right? Our orthodontic care team can explain it all at your first visit!
Malocclusions (“bad bites”) can make chewing, speaking, and breathing more difficult. Bite problems can also lead to uneven wear on your teeth or strain on your jaw, which might cause discomfort over time.
Dr. Mark Humphrey uses advanced techniques to correct teeth issues and improve your bite’s function and your smile’s appearance. We can customize treatment to your unique needs with options like braces, Invisalign, and InBrace hidden braces.
When Chewing Loses Its Charm
Picture this: you’re famished. It’s been a hectic day. Someone was late for a meeting. There was traffic, and you couldn’t get your kids to soccer on time. You skipped lunch, and there wasn’t time to make dinner. You grab an apple from that place down the street (what was its name—it doesn’t matter; you’ve got stuff to do). You bite into that apple and—ouch!
Maybe you don’t think anything of it at first, so you keep chewing. But there it is again! Pain in your jaw. If eating is that uncomfortable, it’s time to see a local orthodontist like Dr. Humphrey. Tooth or jaw pain is a definite sign your teeth might not be working as they should. Misalignment can make eating uncomfortable or even painful, and over time, it may lead to uneven wear on your teeth or stress on your jaw.
Breathe Easy With Dr. Humphrey
Do you or your child rely on mouth breathing? It might not seem like a big deal, but nose breathing is best. Chronic mouth breathing can impact your oral health and development. It often leads to dry mouth, which increases the risk of cavities and can even affect children’s jaw alignment and facial growth.
Dr. Humphrey works with families like yours in Wentzville and St. Peters to address underlying causes of mouth breathing. Early orthodontic evaluations can reveal if structural issues, like a “bad” bite (remember those?) or narrow palate, contribute to the problem.
Maybe you didn’t know that your teeth can affect your airflow. But they can! Teeth are powerful things! With personalized treatment, our orthodontic care specialists can help improve airflow and create a healthier foundation for your overall wellness.
Put Jaw Pain In Its Place
We talked about jaw pain above, but what about clicking sounds? Do you hear a click or pop when you open and close your mouth? If so, these noises could indicate TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues or misaligned teeth (there are those bad bites again!). Left unaddressed, these problems can lead to headaches, difficulty chewing, or even lockjaw.
You probably don’t ever think twice about your jaw. After all, your schedule is loaded. But you’ll absolutely think about it if it’s stiff or if it hurts. It’ll be on your mind if it makes sounds that it shouldn’t. So, if that’s you, it’s time to schedule a free consultation with an orthodontist in Wentzville or St. Peters.
Oh Snap! Close the Gap!
Problems with your orthodontic health don’t start out big. They usually seem insignificant. Consider gaps between your teeth. They might seem small but can become more severe over time. Food can get stuck (yuck!), increasing your risk of cavities and gum problems. Gaps can also affect how your teeth come together. The result? Chewing is less efficient or uneven.
Dr. Humphrey offers families in Wentzville and St. Peters practical orthodontic care to close gaps and create a more even, functional smile. We have all the options you need to help make a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals. If gaps affect your smile or oral health, our Humphrey Orthodontics team is here to help.
Timing Is Everything for Little Smiles
Losing baby teeth too soon or too late can cause problems with how permanent teeth come in. Early loss might lead to neighboring teeth shifting into the wrong positions, while late loss can delay the eruption of adult teeth, potentially leading to crowding or misalignment.
At Humphrey Orthodontics, Dr. Mark Humphrey helps families in Wentzville and St. Peters stay on top of their children’s dental development. Early orthodontic evaluations allow us to monitor growth and guide teeth into their proper positions, preventing more significant issues.
Humphrey Orthodontics Is Your Home
Humphrey Orthodontics has two great offices in Wentzville and St. Peters. To find out more about how Dr. Humphrey can help your smile, go here to schedule your free consultation.