There are many reasons for getting orthodontic braces. Some are obvious, such as cosmetic issues that the mirror reflects. However, several of the reasons for braces are less obvious and require detection by your dentist. If you suspect you have one of the following eight signs that you may need braces, call us today to make an appointment for an evaluation.
To find out what if you need braces and what we can do to help schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry.
1. Crowded Teeth
This is the most common and apparent reason people get braces. Crowded teeth can cause problems with more than your smile. When teeth are too close together, they typically are tightly rotated. This makes adequate toothbrushing and flossing difficult, which leads to plaque accumulation. Gum disease can develop quickly and result in loss of teeth over time.
2. Gaps Between Your Teeth
Too much space between your front teeth can affect the appearance of your smile. In addition, gaps leave your gums exposed and unprotected by your teeth. This increases the risk of gum injury when chewing certain foods. Other complications caused by gaps include plaque accumulation, tooth decay, and problems with chewing.
3. Too Much Overlap
It is normal for your upper teeth to slightly overlap the lower teeth. But, if you can’t see much of your lower teeth when you bite down, this overbite can cause problems such as excessive wear of tooth enamel, gum disease, and jaw pain. Also, an extreme overbite can affect the structure of your face and lead to self-esteem issues.
4. Protruded Upper Teeth
Dentists call the condition where your upper teeth protrude excessively over your lower teeth overjet. With your upper teeth in this position, they are more vulnerable to damage from trauma because they receive the initial impact. In addition to the cosmetic effect of not being able to close your lips together, overjet can cause problems eating and speaking.
5. Underbite
This abnormal bite where the lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth can cause embarrassment due to the evident deviation from the typically appearing bite. It can cause mild to severe effects on oral, physical, and mental health, depending on the severity. An under-bite commonly causes complications such as headaches, tooth decay, TMJ disorder, and mouth breathing.
6. Open bite
If you have an open bite, your upper and lower teeth don’t touch. Causes of an overbite include heredity and prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use. Complications arising from an overbite include mouth breathing, difficulty chewing, and speech impediments.
7. Jaw Pain
You may not associate jaw pain with the need for braces if your teeth appear straight and uncrowded. However, slightly misaligned teeth can cause problems with your bite that lead to headaches and jaw pain.
8. Chewing Difficulties
Many people overlook this great benefit of braces. When your teeth don’t fit together properly, you don’t chew your food well. This can cause digestion problems because the process of digesting food begins in the mouth. The ability to chew into smaller bites allows for better digestion and vitamin absorption.
If you or a family member have one of these signs that you may need braces or any other oral health care issue, call us today to make an appointment for a comprehensive dental exam.