One of the most common types of orthodontic treatment is braces. In fact, over 4 million people in the United States are wearing braces at a given point in time.
There are a lot of reasons that might have you asking yourself "do I need braces?" Whether it's for health or cosmetic reasons, braces can improve your quality of life in a big way.
But how do you know if you need them?
Here are 5 signs you may need orthodontic intervention.
1. Visibly Crooked Teeth
It can be difficult dealing with the problems caused by crooked teeth on a daily basis, and it can make you feel self-conscious about your smile.
Having crooked teeth can interfere with your ability to chew food properly, which can also lead to digestion issues. It can also cause excess wear on your teeth, leading to problems with joints and muscles, even persistent headaches.
2. Overcrowding
If you have a hard time getting between your teeth with dental floss when cleaning, it may be because your teeth are overcrowded.
Overcrowding causes teeth to overlap and be pressed tightly together, which is not conducive to flossing. Sometimes it can even cause teeth to become weaker and more prone to cracking and breaking.
Braces can help bring your teeth back into alignment, creating more room between your teeth and reducing the strain on your jaw.
3. Pain or Fatigue in Your Jaw
If you are experiencing jaw pain, it can have a huge impact on your quality of life. It can impact your sleep, your eating habits, and your mental well-being.
Orthodontic treatments like Invisalign can help address the root problems of jaw pain, misalignment, or malocclusion of the teeth.
One of the major health benefits of getting braces is the reduction of chronic pain.
4. Speech Difficulties
Having trouble pronouncing certain words, or producing certain sounds is another sign that you may need braces.
Difficulty in speech can also have an impact on your confidence and can be incredibly frustrating.
When considering braces to combat these issues, it always helps to know more about the options available to you.
5. Bite Problems
The way your teeth develop is unique to your mouth. They can grow in a way that changes the way they fit together. This can cause an overbite, underbite, or open bite. Each affects many aspects of your dental health.
How your teeth fit together affects your speech, your ability to chew properly, it can even cause issues with biting or cutting your tongue.
Applying braces helps to position your teeth in a way that your bite is even and doesn't cause any other issues with your oral health.
Do I Need Braces?
Hopefully, you'll have a better idea of what the answer to the question "Do I need braces?" will be after reading this article.
If you are having any of these issues, book a consultation with an health professional and get an informed opinion on whether braces may be right for you.
If you found this article helpful, check out our other health and well-being content.
