Many of us are familiar with getting braces as a child. However, more and more adults get braces. If you’re wondering what the signs you need braces are, Dentistry By Design can help. Whether your child’s teeth need alignment now to give them a lasting smile or your teeth are misaligned, we can provide you with the dental services you need.
What Orthodontics Are
Before you learn the signs you need braces, it’s a good idea to understand what dental braces do. Orthodontics is an area of dentistry dealing with tooth alignment, sometimes called malocclusion. This common condition occurs when teeth are misaligned, creating gaps or crowding. The most widely known orthodontic treatment is dental braces. Orthodontics like dental braces do the following:
- Straighten teeth
- Correct problems with bite
- Close gaps between teeth
- Align lips and teeth properly
Often, as their adult teeth come in, children have a special need for orthodontics. As their teeth shift or fail to shift properly, dentists monitor children and adolescents closely to make sure future issues don’t arise. Yet adults too benefit from braces. This is due to many factors. For example, an adult may not have been given the braces they needed as a child. As you age, it’s not uncommon for your teeth to continue to shift. Also, tooth removal or damage can affect alignment. Whatever the cause, misalignment can lead to issues with your oral health.
Your dentist will schedule an initial consultation to examine the state of your teeth. Then, in speaking with your dentist, you’ll both review the types of braces that would be appropriate. Finally, you’ll make an appointment for the bonding process, and you or your child will then leave the dentist’s office with a new set of dental braces.
Signs You Need Braces
Recognizing the signs you need braces can be simple. Some common issues include:
- Overbite, when upper front teeth are too far forward than the lower teeth
- Underbite, where lower front teeth are too far forward than the upper teeth
- Gaps or spaces between the teeth due to missing teeth or teeth that just don’t fill the mouth
- Crowding happens when too many teeth occupy the same space on the dental ridge
If you notice these signs you need braces, then you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist. The earlier these issues are addressed, the less likely you will develop oral health issues like jaw pain, increased chances of tooth decay, or need dental veneers. Also, your dentist will have detailed information on the kinds of braces available. While many of us still imagine the sturdy, standard metal braces, there are also clear or tooth-colored ceramic braces as well as dental braces like Invisalign, which are clear, lightweight plastic. There are also braces attached to the back of the teeth rather than the front for cosmetic reasons. Whatever your needs, your dentist at Dentistry By Design can accommodate you.
Dentistry By Design
No matter their age, everyone deserves a beautiful smile. At Dentistry By Design, our compassionate and experienced staff strive to make you as comfortable as possible. If your child needs braces or if there are signs you need braces, we can help. By providing you with several excellent dental services, we want to see you smile. Call us today at 972.231.3013 to schedule an appointment or consultation.
