With over 4 million Americans wearing braces at any given time, it’s one of the most common dental procedures. Braces are an effective way to get healthier and straighter teeth, giving you a picture-perfect smile.
However, how do you know if you need braces or not? You might be surprised to learn that braces aren’t just for kids with crooked teeth!
We consulted a well known dentist in Columbia to find out what other functions braces have. To learn more, keep reading to find five of the most common signs that you, or your child, might need braces.
1. Crooked Teeth
Do I need braces? If your teeth are crooked, uneven, or sticking out where they shouldn’t be, this is one of the biggest indicators that you could benefit from braces.
If your teeth aren’t naturally straight and in alignment, braces are the only way to get the bright, even smile you’re longing for. This will give you more confidence and pride in your appearance as well.
2. Crowding
Crowding happens when there’s not enough room in the mouth for all of your teeth. It’s most commonly seen in children, resulting in teeth positioning themselves at an angle so they can fit into the mouth.
This results in uneven teeth and will only get worse over time, if left untreated. An orthodontist can help your child correct this issue.
3. An Overbite or Underbite
Overbite or underbites occur when the top teeth don’t properly align with the bottom teeth. It creates an overlap that not only looks abnormal, but can also cause excessive wear to your teeth, increasing their risk of damage.
This is because your teeth are sticking out at an angle, which means they're more likely to get damaged in an injury or scratched.
A reputable expert, like this orthodontist, can work with you to use braces as a way to correct both underbites or overbites.
4. Pain or Discomfort
Do you feel ongoing pain or discomfort in your mouth or jaw? If so, this could be due to the positioning of your teeth and is an indicator that something is wrong.
Your orthodontist can help you work out what’s causing the pain.
5. Difficulty Eating
Another sign that you might need braces is difficulty with eating, chewing, or swallowing. If teeth aren’t properly aligned, this can make it hard to chew food.
Often, this can be easily fixed with braces. Or, if you notice issues with your speech, this can also be caused by tooth positioning, so it can also be fixed with braces.
Talk to Your Dentist About Braces Today
If any of the above issues sound familiar, talk to your dentist about your concerns. They’re likely to provide you with a referral for an orthodontist, a dental professional who specializes in teeth and jaw irregularities.
An orthodontist can review your dental records and help you get started with braces, if they’re right for you. This will start your journey to healthier, straighter teeth!
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