How many times have you asked yourself, “Should I get braces?” while brushing your teeth or smiling for the camera? If you can count multiple times, consider getting a consultation with a trusted, experienced orthodontist. Thinking about getting braces and actually needing them are two entirely different situations. So, we’ll dive into the signs of needing braces and what to expect if you find yourself in the orthodontist’s office.
Why orthodontic treatment matters
Overall, braces can be a real game-changer when it comes to your general health and your confidence level. On the one hand, you’ll find that smiling no longer poses an issue. You’ll see a brighter, straighter grin. Plus, you’ll feel more at ease during everyday conversation (ie, lisp; no gaps or overbite).
However, did you know that you’ll also have a great impact on your physical and dental health? The two do go hand-in-hand, and undergoing orthodontic treatment cuts your chances of tooth decay since straighter teeth translate into more effective brushing and flossing.
Thus, if you lessen your odds of experiencing gum infection or tooth decay, your immune system doesn’t take the hit of fighting off bacteria. And you don’t have to be on antibiotics or worse, having to go through dental surgery.
With the issues of health addressed, we can then look at how to know if you need braces.
Signs you need braces
Let’s revisit the situation of looking at your reflection and wondering, “Do I need braces?” At first glance, you’ll find the more noticeable signs, such as:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth (where some teeth are positioned almost behind those that are next to them)
- Gaps (especially between the two upper or lower front teeth)
- overbite/underbite/crossbite/open bite
While these problems seem to be cosmetic on the surface, you might have also noticed that your tooth placement makes brushing or flossing difficult.
Likewise, there are other issues you’ll need to watch for, including:
- Jaw clicking or “popping”
- Jaw pain
- Constantly biting your tongue or your cheek
- Early or late development of primary (baby) teeth.
In any one of these scenarios, you’re looking at misaligned teeth and most likely a need for braces or other orthodontic appliances.
How to tell if you need braces
And even these signs mentioned above vary slightly between kids and adults.
For kids, you’ll need to watch for:
- Gaps in between permanent teeth (making gums vulnerable to tartar buildup)
- Overcrowding
- Losing their baby teeth at age 5 or under
- Not their losing baby until age 7 or later.
- Mouth breathing (which causes misaligned teeth and issues with jaw formation)
Likewise, a common sign for adults and kids is an overbite or underbite. Specifically for adults, the signs include:
- The teeth moving back to their positions after orthodontic treatment (resulting from not following a provider’s recommendations)
- Painful biting, even when you chew carefully
- Headaches caused by straining your jaw
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Cracks in your teeth and/or tooth loss
The last two signs stem from misaligned teeth rubbing together while chewing or while sleeping (grinding). Over time, the enamel wears down, thus causing dental issues.
How to get braces
So after noticing the signs mentioned above, how do you get braces? The process is actually simple once you’ve contacted an orthodontist. Below, we’ve outlined the steps.
Consultation
First, you and the orthodontist will address your concerns and symptoms. An initial x-ray or photographs are taken along with an examination, all of which help your practitioner to better gauge any alignment issues. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to address any other questions you may have regarding treatment, as your orthodontist recommends braces or Invisalign treatment if necessary.
Treatment Plan
As your treatment plan begins, you’ll go through the process of getting brackets attached to your teeth. Once that step is completed, your orthodontist will thread the wires, which are instrumental in realigning your teeth.
Adjustments
After your braces are attached, you’ll return to your orthodontist’s office periodically. During these appointments, you’ll address any concerns that may come up during your treatment, and your practitioner will tighten the wires.
Retainers
When your orthodontist removes your braces, you’ll move on to the next phase of your treatment plan, which involves being fitted for a retainer. Your orthodontist will also outline all recommendations for wearing and maintaining your retainer, which is vital to the overall success of your treatment.
How long do braces take?
Many patients wonder how long they need braces. The timing varies with each patient due to age, the orthodontic conditions that are being treated, and the patient’s cooperation with the treatment plan and recommendations. On average, you’re looking at 12 to 24 months, and in more extreme cases, 3 years.
Should I get braces or Invisalign?
You might also think about whether you should wear braces or clear aligners. Either option proves to be effective. However, you need to be aware of your options aside from traditional braces, including clear braces and self-ligating braces.
Plus, you have to consider the pros and cons of braces versus Invisalign. Braces, on the one hand, treat a broad gamut of orthodontic issues, whereas Invisalign aligners treat the less extensive issues. Plus, both options require regular visits for a checkup and adjustment.
However, your clear aligners take less time because you receive a set of new trays instead of having to undergo an adjustment. And of course, they’re less visible.
Why choose Grinz Orthodontics
All in all, a board-certified professional is your best option for finding out whether you need braces and what types of treatment offer the best outcome for you.
At Grinz Orthodontics, we personalize every treatment plan to ensure the most successful orthodontic care. Pulse, we offer free consultations, so that you get all your questions answered before taking the next step. And with 3 locations, you’re bound to find the best orthodontics near you. Thus, no traveling would be involved.
So if you notice a crooked or gappy smile, bothersome or painful chewing, or an over/underbite, you can call us to book a free consultation. We describe every treatment option in detail, address any concerns (including payment plans), and get you closer to a straighter, brighter, healthier smile.
