How Do You Know You Need Braces? 

There is more to dental health than ensuring you have no cavities and mouth odor or that your teeth stay white. Often, people tend to brush off severe dental issues, especially if they have something to do with tooth or jaw alignment. In some cases, they have no idea that these issues are fixable. Some people wear braces for cosmetic purposes, but it is essential to know that you can use them to fix many serious dental issues. So how do you know you need braces? 

10 Signs You Need Braces

You can look out for the following 10 signs to know if you need braces.

1. Crowding

In this case, there isn’t enough space in the mouth for all the teeth. They, therefore, end up being too close together and sometimes overlapping each other. Crowding makes it difficult for people to floss or brush their teeth thoroughly, causing issues like bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. 

2. Overbite

Here, the upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth. This is a problematic issue because the front teeth are more susceptible to damage if someone gets injured.

3. Underbite

This is typically the opposite of an overbite. The front lower teeth overlap the upper teeth, and in most cases, this is because someone’s jaw is not proportionate. It is easy to notice because it tends to make someone’s facial appearance look imbalanced. It also makes it difficult to chew and bite. If it is not corrected, it can cause one’s face to age faster than usual.

4. Crossbite

In instances where there is a crossbite, the upper teeth cross behind opposing lower teeth instead of directly on top. This can prevent one’s jaw from growing symmetrically. Additionally, if one does not do anything about it, it will lead to gum recession and wearing out of the teeth.

5. Openbite

A person is said to have an open bite if their teeth don’t touch when they bite. This is an uncomfortable issue that will lead to difficulties in speaking correctly and biting.

6. Gapping

When one either has a couple of missing teeth or a slightly too large jaw, they tend to have gaps between their teeth. Some people have no problem with these spaces, but those who are bothered can get braces.

7. Pain In The Jaw Or Mouth

Sometimes, people experience constant pain either in their jaw or mouth. It is advisable to see an orthodontist for this pain, and they will determine whether braces can help with that.

8. Difficulty In Biting Or Chewing

One may not spot any of the issues mentioned above but still be experiencing difficulty in chewing and biting, for instance, constantly biting the cheek and tongue while eating. This can also be an indicator of the need for braces.

9. Speech Issues

People who find it difficult to say some words comfortably may need to see an orthodontist to determine whether they should be using braces.

10. A Constant Need To Breathe Through The Mouth

If you find that you are consistently unable to breathe through your nose comfortably for long periods, it may be because your jaws or teeth do not allow you to close your mouth. Braces should be able to re-align them so you can breathe comfortably.

 How do you know you need braces can be quickly answered by identifying these issues.

Types Of Braces

You may have identified signs you need braces, and you can get one of the following types:

• Metal braces- These are metallic and are the most common type on the market.
  

  

• Ceramic braces are sometimes referred to as clear braces and are slightly less visible than metallic ones.
• Lingual braces- What stands out about these braces is that they are installed behind the teeth and not the front like the rest.
• Invisible braces- With these, one has the liberty to take them off and put them back on whenever possible. They are also referred to as aligner trays.

Helpful Info

Braces aren’t a quick fix for dental issues, but they are very efficient. If you follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully, you will be pleased with your results. The time for recovery varies for everyone, but in most cases, people wear them for between one to three years before everything falls back into place.

 For children, it is advisable to visit an orthodontist and have any dental issues fixed as early as possible as opposed to waiting until they grow up.

 The cost of installing braces varies depending on the type of braces and the place one chooses for this service. Some insurance companies provide partial or complete cover, especially for children. However, most adults have to pay for braces out of their pockets.

 If you do not prefer braces, some of these alignment issues can be fixed through teeth straightening surgery. It may, however, be more expensive than braces.

Bottom Line

If you noticed that you or your child is experiencing one or several of the issues outlined, it is advisable to book an appointment with your orthodontist. You will be able to find great help in line with your needs and preferences. 

Orthodontic Arts, your number one Orthodontist in OKC. Our Certified Orthodontist provides the latest and greatest Orthodontic practices to our clients in the OKC and Midtown area. Orthodontic Arts is the best place for child and teen orthodontics as well as adult orthodontics. Be sure to ask about Invisalign and invisible braces! Contact us today at (405) 604-3745 or request an appointment.