Orthodontia is a branch of dentistry that corrects a variety of alignment problems. Thanks to Invisalign clear braces, more people than ever before are choosing to undergo voluntary orthodontic treatment. In spite of this, determining if you need braces in the first place isn’t always easy. Sometimes a different dental treatment is more appropriate and other times the problems may be disguised. Below are some things to look for to help you answer the question “Do I Need Braces?”
Common Reasons for Orthodontic Treatment
Having crowded or crooked teeth are both typical reasons for getting braces. Problems may include teeth that are overlapping, teeth that appear to sit sideways, and having some teeth that protrude further than the others. One simple way to determine if your teeth are crowded is when you have difficulty flossing regularly because of the how tightly your teeth fit in your mouth.
Correcting crowded or crooked teeth isn’t just a cosmetic concern. It is difficult to keep the teeth clean when they are pressed together so tightly. This increases the likelihood of tooth decay and other significant oral health issues. Teeth that are too far apart can also cause major dental problems. This includes having teeth that are too small, large gaps between teeth, and missing teeth. Any one of these issues could affect jaw functioning and the way you bite.
An overbite or an underbite also have a big impact on your bite and the way your teeth fit together. Both of these issues can cause significant jaw pain and other chronic oral health issues. Correcting the bite problem with braces is the best way to minimize these risks.
Contact Discovery Dental for an Orthodontic Consultation
Our dental clinic offers several different types of braces to meet the needs of our patients. When you come in for a consultation, Dr. Vanama will discuss your orthodontic options as well as let you know your expected treatment time. Getting braces is definitely an investment of time and money, but having a beautiful smile and improving your oral health far outweigh any sacrifice you make to get them for yourself or your child
