How to Tell If You Need Braces: A Quick Four-Step Guide
Having crooked teeth can force a person to hide their smile, hinder them from talking comfortably, and showing off their beautiful smile. This can lead to low self-esteem and anxiety. Besides self-confidence issues, misaligned teeth can increase the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gum diseases. Thankfully, multiple teeth straightening options are now available, including braces. If you are planning to get this treatment, here are ways to tell if you need it:
- Examine Your Teeth
Getting braces can be expensive since it requires regular checkups to ensure your teeth are slowly adjusting to their proper positions. Before undergoing the procedure, you must first look for crowded or crooked teeth, also known as malocclusions. This appears as teeth overlapping each other or sitting sideways.
Once you notice if your teeth are too close together, understand how this dental problem may affect you. Since they can be difficult to clean properly, you may be at greater risk of developing different diseases.
Other than crowding teeth, examine if you have teeth that seem too far apart. Check for missing teeth or large gaps between the teeth as these dental issues could also affect how your jaw and bite functions. These bite problems can lead to gingivitis, periodontal disease, dental abscesses, and even tooth loss.
- Determine If You Experience Other Symptoms
Besides teeth alignment issues, persistent bad breath, food frequently getting stuck in your teeth, lisp, and frequent jaw pain can signify that you need braces. If you experience any of these saymptoms, consider having your teeth straightened by reliable dentists. This treatment can eliminate spaces in between teeth and prevent food particles and bacteria from getting trapped.
- Consider Your Willingness to Get Braces
Getting braces is an excellent teeth straightening option, but it is not for everyone. Children and adolescents have to wear them for two years, while adults need to wear them from 12-20 months, depending on the severity of the dental problem. Wearing a retainer for months may also be required following the removal of the braces.
In other words, this treatment is only for determined patients who are ready for a long-term commitment. If you think braces won't fit your needs and preferences, talk to your dentist to discuss alternatives.
Besides your willingness for a long-term commitment, consider if you can afford braces. Standard metal braces cost thousands of dollars, while invisible braces called Invisalign are often more expensive. Set a budget if you decide to push through with your treatment.
- Get a Professional Opinion
Once you are sure that you need braces, explore your options. There are different types of braces available, and the one that suits you best varies depending on your needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget. This is why it’s vital to seek professional advice from your dentist to make an informed decision. These professionals can also subject you to bite tests and take X-rays to help determine if you need orthodontic treatment.
Conclusion
Determining if you need braces and if you could truly benefit from this treatment is essential. Doing this can help prevent you from wasting time and money and giving up a procedure you may not be ready for. If you are still interested in getting your teeth straightened but don’t want the traditional braces, consider Invisalign treatment.
With Invisalign treatment, you’ll get to enjoy eating and drinking like you usually would since the trays are removable. These plastic trays are also clear, which means you can have your teeth straightened as discreetly as possible.
If you are looking for the best dentist in Murfreesboro, TN for your Invisalign treatment, reach out to Cosmetic Dentistry of Murfreesboro. We provide a customized Invisalign treatment plan to address overbites, crowded teeth, and other dental problems. Book an appointment today!