Have you ever wondered if you need braces? Most of us have had the thought at least once.
But how do you know if they’re right for you? It’s a difficult question to answer, and it can be even more challenging to find the answer. Many people don’t know what signs to look for or what questions to ask their dentist. If they do, they may not be sure how much it costs or whether or not it’s worth it.
The thought of braces can be daunting if you’ve never had them before, but they’re not as bad as they seem! Here’s how to tell if you need them.
You Have An Overbite
Your teeth may be perfectly straight, but if you have an overbite, your top teeth may still cover your bottom teeth. This can lead to many problems, like tooth decay and gum disease. You might also experience headaches or jaw pain.
Braces are great for correcting overbites by moving the teeth to line up correctly. They also help with overcrowding and spacing issues, which can occur when you have an overbite.
You Have An Underbite
An underbite is one of the most common reasons for getting braces. An underbite occurs when lower teeth extend out in front of the upper teeth.
This misalignment of the teeth can cause jaw pain and difficulty eating and make your speech sound unclear. If you have an underbite, you should consult an orthodontist to determine if braces are the best option for correcting the problem.
Your Teeth Are Crooked
Crooked teeth are aesthetically unappealing and can cause jaw pain and difficulty chewing. They’re also difficult to clean properly, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
If you have crooked teeth, consider getting braces to alleviate these issues. Braces can enable your teeth to align correctly, reduce pain in the jaw, and make it easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
There Are Gaps in Your Teeth
If you’re looking for a way to close the gaps in your teeth, braces are one of the most effective treatments. Gaps between teeth can cause problems such as trapping food and bacteria, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
The best way to tell if you have gaps in your teeth is to run your tongue along the top edge of your upper teeth and then the lower edge of your lower teeth. If there are any spots where it feels like there’s nothing there at all, or if there’s a gap between two teeth, braces will help close them.
Your Teeth Are Crowded
If your teeth are crowded and you have difficulty chewing, you may need braces. Crowded teeth can cause various problems, such as difficulty chewing or eating certain foods. It also causes your jaw to grow out of proportion with the rest of your face, which can cause headaches and jaw pain.
If you have crowding in one area but not another, your bite may be uneven. If so, then you will likely need orthodontic treatment.
Your Jaw Is Misaligned
When your jaw is out of alignment, it can cause several issues for your health—from crowding to tooth decay to gum disease.
If you’re having trouble opening your mouth or chewing, or if one or more of your teeth don’t line up correctly with the rest of your mouth, it could be a sign that your jaw is misaligned.
Misaligned jaws are usually caused by teeth not being positioned perfectly in the mouth, which can be corrected with braces. If the misalignment is severe enough, it can cause problems with chewing, biting, and swallowing food, leading to pain in your jaw joint or headaches.
If you suspect a misaligned jaw, you should visit an orthodontist to determine if braces are necessary. During your appointment, your orthodontist will likely examine your bite, take X-rays to measure your jaw’s alignment, and possibly even create a physical model of your mouth. He or she can then recommend whether you need braces to correct the misalignment.
Get Braces in St. Augustine, FL
Are you looking for braces in the St. Augustine, FL area? Get treatment from our team at Henry Orthodontics.
We specialize in providing quality orthodontic care to patients of all ages, and our team of experienced, dedicated professionals is committed to ensuring you get the best treatment possible. Plus, we offer 100% in-house financing for braces, so you know you can get the care you need without worrying about high upfront costs.
To get started, request an appointment with us today.
