Braces are a common orthodontic treatment for adults and children in the United States. Also, they can help correct certain bite and jaw alignment problems. Traditional braces use brackets attached to the teeth. A wire connects the brackets and applies gentle pressure over time. Dentists recommend them to correct various oral health issues. For many patients, successful treatment with braces improves their dental alignment, smile, and confidence.
Nevertheless, not everyone is qualified for the procedure. Before fitting you with braces, a dentist or orthodontist will evaluate your teeth and gums. At times, the dentist will conduct X-rays or digital imaging to determine the severity of the orthodontic problem. To have a successful orthodontic procedure with braces, you will need to see an experienced dentist.
The signs that you need braces include:
Your Teeth Are Crowded
Crowded teeth are one of the most common signs that you may need braces. Crowding occurs when there isn’t enough room for all your teeth to fit properly. As a result, teeth may overlap or sit behind one another. Teeth crowding can distort your smile and appearance. Additionally, it can make brushing or flossing your teeth challenging.
If you find it difficult to maintain oral hygiene, you can develop plaque, and bacteria can form. The bacteria will form acid, which will damage the tooth enamel. Mild crowding does not always need treatment. However, if the dentist finds that crowding is affecting your oral health, they may recommend treatment.
Braces help correct crowding by moving teeth into better positions. This creates a straighter smile, and your teeth will fit better together. Eventually, braces can also make brushing and flossing easier due to the less space between teeth.
You Have Large Gaps Between Your Teeth
Gaps between your teeth can also indicate a need for orthodontic treatment. Small spaces between teeth can be normal. However, larger or unusual gaps may signal a more serious orthodontic issue. Common causes of large gaps between teeth include:
- Genetics. Some people naturally have wider spaces between their teeth. Therefore, your gapped teeth may be associated with your family.
- Missing teeth. When you have a missing tooth, nearby teeth can shift to fill the gap, which creates unusual spaces. Therefore, if you lose a tooth through trauma or extraction, you should make an effort to replace it promptly.
- Small or abnormally shaped teeth. Teeth that are smaller than usual may not fill the available space in the mouth correctly.
- Gum disease. Gum disease is a serious oral health issue that arises when bacteria from plaque cause infection in the gums. The infection may also damage the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. As the infection progresses, your teeth may become loose or shift, and new gaps may appear, or the existing gaps may widen.
A gap may appear between your two upper front teeth or other teeth, depending on the cause. Some gaps close naturally as permanent teeth develop. However, others remain and may affect the appearance or function of your smile. When you consult your dentist for a remedy for these gaps, they can recommend braces. Braces will move each tooth to the desired position to close the gaps.
You Have an Overbite
An overbite happens when the front teeth of your upper jaw protrude too far ahead of the lower jaw teeth. A small amount of overlap is normal and is not a cause for concern. However, a more noticeable overbite may indicate that you have a bite problem. When you have an overbite, you may notice that your upper teeth cover much of your lower teeth when you close your mouth. In some cases, the lower teeth may contact the roof of the mouth. An overbite can have different causes, including:
- Genetics. An overbite is an issue that runs in families. You can inherit the size and shape of your jaw from your parents.
- Thumb sucking. Long-term thumb sucking can affect how the teeth and jaw develop. The habit may push the upper front teeth forward. Children who suck their thumbs beyond the age of 2 are at higher risk of developing an overbite.
- Tongue thrusting. Some people push their tongue against their front teeth when swallowing. Over time, this habit can move the teeth out of position and contribute to an overbite.
- Missing or crowded teeth. Missing teeth can change how nearby teeth sit. Crowded teeth can also contribute to an overbite.
- Jaw alignment. The position of your jaws can affect your bite. If the upper jaw sits too far forward, it may cause the upper teeth to extend over the lower teeth.
If you have an overbite, your dentist may recommend using braces. Braces move your teeth around more properly through applied controlled pressure. This is often enough to reduce the amount of overlap between your upper and lower teeth. Braces can also improve your bite and tooth alignment.
You Have an Underbite
An underbite is another common reason people may need orthodontic treatment. The condition arises when the front teeth of your lower jaw extend beyond those of the upper jaw when you close your mouth. An underbite can affect the way your teeth meet. It may also make biting and chewing less comfortable. An underbite can result from the position of the teeth or the development of the jaws.
If you notice that your lower teeth sit in front of your upper teeth, it may be an indication that you need braces. Since the jaws of children and teenagers are still developing, an early assessment can help determine their suitability for braces. Braces gradually guide the upper and lower teeth into the right positions.
Your Teeth Do Not Meet Properly
Your teeth should come together in a balanced way when you close your mouth. If some teeth do not touch their opposing teeth, you may have an open bite. The issue can occur toward the front or sides of the mouth. You may notice spaces between your lower and upper teeth when you bite down.
When you have an open bite, you may find it challenging to bite or chew on certain foods. Additionally, it may also affect speech in some cases. Several factors can contribute to the open bite. Some of these factors are genetic, while others are associated with childhood habits. An orthodontist can determine the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.
When your teeth do not meet properly with the mouth closed, it may be time to get braces. Braces pull your teeth to the correct positions so they can meet when you close your mouth. The severity of your open bite will help determine the duration of your treatment.
You Have a Crossbite
A crossbite arises when some of the upper jaw teeth fall inside your lower teeth after biting down. The condition can affect one or several teeth. It can also occur toward the front or back of the mouth. You may notice that one or more teeth appear to sit in an unusual position when you have a crossbite. Crossbite can cause uneven pressure on the teeth, which can result in uneven wear to the teeth.
If you notice that your teeth fail to line up when you bite, visit your dentist for an orthodontic evaluation. Depending on the reason and severity of the crossbite that you have, your dentist will advise certain methods of treatment. Braces are some of the possible treatments available for a crossbite. They are used in realigning your crooked teeth back into their rightful place.
You Have Difficulty Chewing or Biting
Braces may be necessary if you have trouble biting and chewing your food. The teeth have to work in collaboration to help you bite comfortably. If you have a problem with your bite, biting on certain kinds of food will become difficult. Chewing can make you uncomfortable while eating.
Avoiding certain food groups can affect your nutrient intake and overall health. Sometimes, you may prefer to chew with only one side, which can put strain on your teeth and jaw. Difficulty chewing may result from crooked teeth, missing teeth, or jaw issues. When you experience difficulty chewing, your dentist can assess your oral health and determine if you are a good candidate for braces. Correcting the underlying alignment problem may improve how your teeth work together.
Braces can make chewing easier by correcting tooth alignment problems. If your teeth are crooked or crowded, they might not align correctly. If this is the case, your teeth will have difficulty grinding the food. Orthodontic braces gradually help straighten your teeth. Additionally, orthodontic braces can also help correct a misaligned bite. Your teeth will function much better once they are straightened out.
Your Teeth Are Difficult to Clean
If your teeth are crowded or crooked, it may be time for braces. When some of your teeth sit behind others, a toothbrush may not easily reach every surface. Also, dental floss may be difficult to move between overlapping teeth. Difficulty flossing or brushing your teeth can allow plaque to accumulate on your teeth and gums.
Your dentist may also notice plaque buildup in specific areas during a dental examination. When plaque remains in these areas, your risk of tooth decay and gum problems can increase. Braces are not always necessary just because your teeth are difficult to clean. However, significant crowding may warrant consideration of orthodontic treatment.
By evaluating the condition of your teeth, your orthodontist can determine whether improving tooth alignment could make oral hygiene easier. When braces are correctly positioned on your teeth, they can move them into proper alignment. This allows you to brush and floss all the areas correctly.
Your Teeth Are Wearing Unevenly
Having teeth that wear unevenly may be one of the ways to know that you need braces. Damage to the tooth enamel may indicate an uneven bite. When teeth meet unevenly, certain teeth may receive more pressure than others. Teeth that are subjected to more pressure may sustain damage over time, while others stay healthy.
Your damaged teeth will have flat surfaces of the enamel layer. Unusual wear can be detected during your dental checkup. Wearing is not necessarily an indication that you are wearing braces. Damage to the enamel of your teeth could be due to grinding, clenching, or other dental problems. If the dentist detects unusual wear, they could conduct orthodontic examinations.
If your bite is a contributing factor to these issues, you will need braces. Braces will align your teeth and correct the bite problems. When your teeth meet properly while you chew, pressure is distributed evenly, preventing unnecessary wear.
Your Jaw Feels Uncomfortable When You Bite
Changes in the way your teeth meet can sometimes cause jaw discomfort. Your teeth should come together comfortably when you bite and chew. If your bite is uneven, certain teeth may take on more pressure than others, causing your jaw to strain. You may experience discomfort when chewing or biting down. Some people may feel a clicking or popping sensation when they open their mouths.
Nevertheless, these symptoms do not necessarily indicate that you need braces. The reason is that there may be other causes of pain in your jaws during chewing, such as joint or muscle issues. Although braces can solve the problem in some situations, they are not the only solution for all jaw conditions. Therefore, you will need to undergo an assessment by your orthodontist.
In cases where your symptoms are related to alignment issues, braces can help realign the teeth and improve your comfort.
Find a Skilled Dentist Near Me
When you know the conditions under which you will require braces, it will help you maintain good dental health and a perfect smile. Some of the dental conditions that will require you to wear dental braces will be easy to identify, whereas a professional checkup will detect others. You might be a good candidate for dental braces if you have crowded, spaced, crooked, or mal-aligned teeth. These conditions will become evident when it is hard for you to chew and brush properly.
If you notice changes in your bite, chewing problems, or unusual tooth alignment, you should consult your orthodontist. After a professional evaluation, your orthodontist will determine whether braces are the best option for you. Your choice of a dentist can dictate the outcome and effectiveness of your braces treatment. At The Hawthorne Dentist, we offer reliable and affordable orthodontic services for our clients in Hawthorne, CA. Call us at 310-775-2557 to schedule an appointment.
