How do you know when you need braces? Do you know? When you look in the mirror at your smile, do you like what you see? Are your teeth straight or crooked? Is your bite comfortable? Do any of your teeth collide when you bite, swallow or chew? Sometimes it is easy to spot signs that you may need orthodontic treatment, and at other times the signs might not be readily apparent. At HSM Dental Group, we work with you and your general dentist to determine the best course for your oral health needs. Learning what signs to look out for that could indicate that orthodontic treatment is needed can help you keep your mouth healthy and your smile bright.
The use of braces is not only to improve the smile, but also to be comfortable with our mouth.
There is no age limit to have braces. It is believed that the only people who can use it are adolescents, but new techniques allow to align the teeth and correct the bite in adults. Although, it is advisable to start treatment at an early age or as soon as possible after having detected it.
The techniques to know if a person needs orthodontics are usually X-rays and plaster models of the teeth, but there are a series of symptoms that will indicate to ourselves that we will need braces before going to the dentist:
If you have crooked teeth. In this case, no matter how much we brush, there will always be traces of food between our teeth. These food debris eventually form stains that can cause teeth to fall out.
If your teeth are separated. This is as bad as having them together and crooked. If you keep them separated, your gums are exposed and have direct contact with food, which can become inflamed over time.
If you bite badly. Many think that braces only serve to align teeth, but that is only one of their benefits. If you have a poorly fitting bite, they will wear down and may even cause broken teeth.
If your teeth are crowded. This means that they are too close together. To find out, try flossing. If it‘s too difficult, it may be because they’re huddled too close to each other.
If food gets stuck in your teeth. Regular food scraps can cause bacteria to build up and lead to gingivitis or cavities. Braces can help remove those holes between your teeth where bacteria accumulate.
If you have constant jaw pain. This may be because it is misaligned, and it could be fixed with braces.
A bad position of the teeth can also cause a tension in the muscles when chewing, which leads to headaches and discomfort.
If you realize that you need orthodontics, what you should do is make an appointment with your dentist so they can recommend you as specialists.