Do I Need Braces? | Signs That Orthodontics Will Benefit Your Smile

Posted on November 12, 2019

“Do I NEED braces?” The best way to determine whether or not you and/or your child needs braces is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontic specialist. An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in jaw alignment and the movement of teeth. He/she will be able to tell you whether or not you would benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Do I need braces even if my teeth are straight?

A fairly common misconception about orthodontic treatment is that people only get braces for cosmetic purposes. Although it does create great cosmetic results, the main purpose for braces is to treat and correct irregularities in the teeth and jaw.

Braces due to malocclusion

Many people have beautiful, straight teeth, but still need braces due to an improper bite. An improper bite refers to when your upper and lower jaws do not come together evenly when biting down. Orthodontists use traditional braces and archwires or Invisalign to correct this “bad bite” (malocclusion). Malocclusion is a bite disorder that involves the imperfect positioning of the teeth when the jaws are closed or when biting down. If you suffer from grinding, clenching, headaches, or jaw popping there’s a good chance you have a bite issue and may need braces.

Knowing when to schedule a consultation for braces

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, if you recognize any of the following signs or concerns in your child or yourself, it might be time to schedule a consultation to see if you need braces.

  • You feel like a straighter smile would improve your self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • Difficulty chewing or biting
  • Mouth breathing
  • Sucking the thumb or fingers
  • Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or are recessed
  • Speech difficulty
  • Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
  • Protruding teeth
  • Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
  • Facial imbalance or asymmetry (features out of proportion to the rest of the face)
  • Grinding or clenching of teeth
  • Inability to comfortably close lips

Misaligned teeth and jaw problems may be inherited or could be a result of these types of jaw irregularities/disorders. Your general dentist may recommend you see an orthodontist if they think you need braces or could benefit from orthodontic treatment. A straight smile and proper bite will not only boost your self-confidence but improve your overall oral health.

Results that can occur if your bite is not corrected

If your dentist or orthodontist suggests that you need braces, it’s likely because of one of the reasons we’ve listed above. Avoiding orthodontic treatment when it is necessary can result in the following issues:

  • Tooth decay
  • Gum disease
  • Tooth loss
  • Affected speech and/or chewing
  • Abnormal wear on tooth enamel
  • Jaw problems

It’s never too late for braces

If you’re an adult looking to go through orthodontic treatment later in life, the good news is, it’s never too late to get braces. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the number of adults in orthodontic treatment is at an all-time high! An estimated 1.61 million adults underwent orthodontic treatment in the U.S. in 2018. That’s 1 in 4 adults!

If you think you may need braces, we highly recommend you see an orthodontist to learn about the long term benefits of going through treatment. At Cardinal Orthodontics, our average treatment time is only 16 months! This is nothing compared to a corrected bite and smile that will last you a lifetime.

Schedule a free consultation today!

If you’re asking yourself, “do I need braces?”, there’s a good chance you might. Whether you’re uncomfortable with the way your teeth look, or your bite is and affecting your day to day life, we’re here to guide you in the right direction. Our motto is to treat patients to their individual smile goals. We promise to listen to your questions and concerns and do our best to explain what positive changes you will see while going through orthodontic treatment.

Remember, it’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed up, or improve your oral health. Schedule a free consultation today by giving our office a call at: 314-962-6242. You can also visit our website by clicking here, to schedule a video consultation from the comfort of your own home.

Source: aaoinfo.org 


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