How to Know if You Need Braces
Corpus Christi, TX
 The advancements in dental technology allow dentists to serve their patients with more effective and convenient solutions for their dental problems. Similarly, braces are rapidly gaining popularity due to their high success rate, which is why they are used not only to straighten the teeth of children and adolescents but also adults.
Deciding whether you need braces is an important decision, and Star Orthodontics is here to help as we provide expert guidance and excellent dental checkups from .
It is better to consult with an orthodontic professional, as getting braces can significantly improve your dental health and correct teeth alignment.
How to Know if You Need Braces?
Knowing whether a child needs braces is comparatively easy. Look for obvious signs like overbite, underbite, asymmetries of the jaw, and visibly crooked teeth. If a child bites their tongue frequently while talking or chewing or has difficulty pronouncing words and certain sounds, they require braces.
Adults can determine whether they need braces if they have difficulty brushing or flossing around their teeth. Crooked teeth also stress the jaw after chewing food, and if your teeth do not close over each other properly when you close your mouth, it indicates you need braces.
Why Do Children End up Needing Braces?
There are several reasons why a child or adult might need braces in the future. Late or an early loss of baby teeth, or thumb-sucking and poor dental hygiene practices while growing up lead to crooked or crowded teeth.
If someone notices that they are primarily breathing through their mouth or cannot keep their mouth closed while sleeping, the teeth do not come together and over one another are also signs that indicate that you may need to see an orthodontist to get a recommendation for braces.
When Should You See an Orthodontist?
Early treatments are always recommended if a child or adult feels the need to get braces. It is better to take the child to an orthodontist before the age of seven so that the need for braces can be identified even if there is no visible misalignment of the teeth.
There is no specific age at which you should get braces. However, it is highly recommended that if a child needs braces, the treatment should start between the age of nine and 14.
However, some reasons cause people to put off this orthodontic treatment, such as expenses, the time-consuming nature of braces, and inconvenience of the process. The best strategy is to pursue the treatment as soon as possible. The human jaw continues to grow as you get older, so it is not wise to think that misaligned or crowded teeth will improve themselves over time.
Alternatives to Braces
Invisible braces or Invisalign are a nearly invisible braces option. They are easy to put on and remove while eating or chewing, and the treatment is even faster and more convenient than regular metal braces.
Besides these, ceramic braces are also common teeth straightening treatments.
If you want more information about braces and other teeth straightening treatments, contact us at 361-371-8555 to book an appointment, and one of our dentists will be glad to help you. |
