Dental health is a vitally important part of your overall health. It is estimated that tooth loss can lead to a 10% reduction in income, so taking care of your teeth is as essential as proper nutrition and exercise. Controlling tooth decay can be done with diet and proper brushing and flossing, but if this is not effective, you may need professional help. Dental braces can straighten teeth to improve your appearance and dental health. Furthermore, the psychological benefits of a straighter smile are well-documented. When orthodontic treatment is needed, it is often necessary to choose between traditional metal braces or braces that are clear from the wearer’s perspective. Therefore, here are signs that you need braces:
1. Gapping and Spacing
“Gapping” and “spacing” occur when teeth are not aligned well enough to bite comfortably. This often occurs in “over-jetted” teeth, which are more than two mm too large for the size of your mouth. When your teeth extend beyond the width of your lips, food can fall onto your lip, making it uncomfortable to eat. However, when dental braces are necessary, the gapping needs to be corrected before any other treatment is started. Moreover, overlapping can also occur when your teeth fit together but not properly in relation to your jawline. For instance, if your upper teeth are too far back behind the bottom teeth, they might be able to reach down and touch them, resulting in overlapping.
2. Crowding
“Crowding” refers to any case where there is not enough room for all of your teeth in your mouth. This can occur when you are missing teeth or if the remaining teeth are too small for their space. Dental braces can correct crowding by pulling back the teeth to open the space for additional teeth. Crowding is one of the most common cases in which orthodontic treatment is necessary. Furthermore, tooth decay can occur if there is not enough space, and the teeth behind them start to loosen up.
3. Overbite
“Overbite” occurs when the top teeth come down too far, preventing the lower teeth from touching them. It is one of the most common cases in which dental braces are needed. When there is an overbite, it is difficult to chew certain types of food without discomfort. Moreover, as dental problems like cavities and gum disease become more common, an overbite can even become unhealthy for your teeth. In addition, most adults find that an overbite is not considered as attractive as a good, healthy bite, so it is often treated with braces.
4. Underbite
How much is Invisalign? This question has been asked countless times from many locations throughout the world. Invisalign is one treatment that is available for correcting underbite. “Underbite” occurs when the bottom teeth come down too far, preventing the upper teeth from touching them. This can be uncomfortable and make it hard to chew certain types of food comfortably and is commonly treated with braces in adults. In addition to the discomfort that results from it, an underbite can make other teeth touch each other and cause excessive wear and tear on them.
5. Tooth Abscess
An abscess is a bacterial infection surrounding your tooth. Over time, this causes a buildup of bacteria in the space around your tooth, causing pain in your mouth. When dental braces are necessary, they often correct an abscess before procedures like extraction or root canal treatment can be done. Moreover, if you have had your braces for a few months or more, the bacteria can build up around the braces and cause an abscess. This is especially dangerous because the bacteria can reach inside of your gums and even into your bone, making it far more difficult to treat.
6. Crooked teeth
Crooked teeth, or “malocclusion,” cause teeth to be misaligned in relation to the jawline and each other. This can be because of crooked bite and jaw structure, as well as past dental problems like tooth decay that have caused the teeth to shift. Braces help fix malocclusion by pulling the teeth back into place, where they belong and correcting any other issues that may have developed over time.
7. Crossbite
“Crossbite” occurs when the bottom teeth are too close together, and the top teeth are not far enough forward. It is difficult to chew with your jaw fully open when this occurs, making eating a more uncomfortable experience. There is no treatment for crossbite without braces, but as mentioned above, it is common and can contribute to other health issues in addition to dental problems like cavities.
Conclusion
If your teeth are not aligned properly, it is likely that you need to see an orthodontist to determine the best treatment for you. In addition, it is important to go ahead and schedule an appointment once you have decided that you do want braces.
Author Bio: Hannah Gilbert is a freelance writer who offers ghostwriting, copywriting, and blogging services. She works closely with B2C and B2B businesses providing digital marketing content that gains social media attention and increases their search engine visibility.