Wondering if your teeth warrant a visit to the orthodontist? Read on to learn about the various signs you need braces for your teeth.
There are many reasons to get braces, for both cosmetic and health reasons, so knowing if your slightly less-than-perfect teeth qualify for braces can be confusing. Sometimes all you need are clear braces to fix your teeth, while at other times braces are necessary. If you are wondering what dental issues require braces, here are 7 signs you need braces.
1. Overbite
If you have an overbite and ever wondered “do I need braces?” the answer is yes.
An overbite occurs when your upper front teeth stick out over your lower front teeth. Overbites are caused by too much room or too little room in the jaw area. Left untreated, an overbite results in jaw pain, headaches, and tooth decay. And in cases of emergencies, opt for emergency oral treatment in TN.
2. Underbite
A great tip for how to tell if you need braces is to see if you have an underbite.
An underbite occurs when your lower front teeth stick out over your upper front teeth. Underbites are caused by genetics, an injury to the face or childhood habits like sucking your thumb. Left untreated, an underbite results in strain on your facial muscles and jaw, and tooth decay.
3. Open Bite
An open bite occurs when your front upper and lower teeth slant outward and do not touch when your mouth is closed. Open bites are caused by skeletal deformities, tongue thrusting and sucking on a pacifier or thumb. Left untreated, an open bite results in speech problems, eating problems and fractured teeth.
4. Crowding
Crowding occurs when there is not enough space in your mouth for all of your teeth. This condition is caused by genetics, losing your primary teeth too early or too late, or improper development of your teeth. Left untreated, crowding results in dental decay and gum disease due to poor cleaning.
5. Gaps
If you’ve ever wondered “do I need Invisalign?” and you have gaps in your teeth, the answer is probably yes.
Gaps occur when your teeth are too small for your jaw, causing space between your teeth. This condition is caused by genetics, inflammation in your gums, or thumb sucking as a child. Left untreated, gaps result in chewing and digestive problems, bad breath, and bleeding and sore gums.
Contact your dentist or doctor to find out the Invisalign Timeline for closing the gaps and straightening your teeth.
6. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
TMJ occurs when you experience constant jaw pain and discomfort. There are many possible causes of TMJ but medical professionals can only guess. Left untreated, TMJ results in a chronic lock or stuck jaw, headaches, trouble chewing, swelling, pain, and tenderness in your face.
While there is not much information on the cause of this painful condition, braces are an effective treatment.
7. Crooked Teeth
Crooked teeth occur when your teeth overlap or are rotated in your mouth. This condition is caused by thumb sucking, genetics or facial injury. Left untreated, crooked teeth result in jaw pain, tooth decay, and headaches.
Signs You Need Braces: The Bottom Line
There are several signs you need braces. If you are noticing any of these issues with your teeth, contact your dentist for a consultation so you can be on your way to having a bright smile with straight teeth.
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