Braces are one of the most common treatments performed at dental clinics across the country, and for good reason. Even though that is the case, it is not always clear whether or not you or your child is in need of braces. One of the tell-tale signs that a child, teenager, or adult needs braces is if they have crooked teeth. However, that is not the only reason your local dentist may suggest braces. Today we are going to go over the top three signs that it’s time to get braces.
When orthodontic problems or oral health issues are ignored, they can turn into something far more serious. This is why it is so important that you are able to identify potential symptoms of common orthodontic problems. This is especially true for children and young adults, as they have the opportunity to correct any major oral health problems before it’s too late. Our team at Cosmetic & Family of Las Colinas is committed to improving your oral health and doing everything we can to help you keep your mouth as healthy as possible. While many people shy away from braces for vanity reasons, dental technology has come a long way over the years and the options for braces are now far less intrusive. Our Invisalign clear braces are one of the most effective cosmetic dentistry services we offer and are a great option for teens and older adults with a less-than-ideal smile. With that in mind, let’s look at the top three signs that you may need braces:
- Your bite is uncomfortable or out of line. If your bite feels ‘funny’, or if your teeth do not line up with one another when you bite down, you may be the perfect candidate for braces. It is not uncommon for adults to have bite issues, in fact, 70 percent of the population has a malocclusion problem (incorrect bite). While many people ignore this problem, it can lead to irregular wear of the teeth, jaw problems, and chronic headaches. Furthermore, a misaligned bite can result in injury to your teeth, as they are more likely to collide with one another when chewing and speaking. Braces are a wonderful option for those with an uncomfortable or misaligned bite, as they can improve the function and appearance of the smile.
- You have overcrowded teeth. When an individual’s teeth are overcrowded, it is not simply a cosmetic problem, but can also pose serious health threats. There are numerous reasons for this, including a heightened risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and bad breath. Invisalign braces are a great option for those with overcrowded, crooked teeth, as they will help straighten out the teeth and correct any crowding problems.
- You have gaps in between your teeth. While many people viewing gaps in the teeth as endearing, this can be a sign of a more serious problem. In many cases, gaps in between teeth suggest the upper and lower jaw are not fitting together as they should. There are numerous causes of this, such as genetics, thumb-sucking, mouth tissue formation, and other conditions. Braces can help close these gaps, which will not only improve the aesthetics of your smile, but fix certain oral health problems.
If you are experiencing any of the above problems or would like to discuss Invisalign braces with one of our knowledgeable Dallas dental technicians, please contact Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas today. We are happy to provide you with insight regarding the health of your teeth and will help you determine if braces are right for your specific case.