Do You Need Braces?

Orthodontic braces, as we know them, have essentially been around for the last several centuries. However, technological advancements in orthodontics provide solutions to several conditions aside from fixing crooked teeth. Here are some of the reasons why millions of Americans get braces every year.

One of the most popular reasons you might seek orthodontic care is to straighten crooked teeth. After children lose their baby teeth, sometimes the adult teeth grow in crooked or overlap the others. This can result in issues with chewing and sometimes even speech - not to mention impact your self-confidence. Orthodontic work like braces can straighten your teeth and get rid of the issues that arise from a crooked smile.

Teeth are not the only reason to consider getting braces. Many people have incorrect “bites”, which refers to the process in which your teeth come together. For example, maybe your top teeth overlap your bottom ones, known as overbite, or vice versa - an underbite. There are several consequences to leaving incorrect bites untreated. Some examples include jaw pain, difficulty maintaining good oral health, and even speech problems. If you think your bite might be affecting more than your smile, it’s time to look into options to correct it.

If your jaw is misaligned due to genetics or you lost your baby teeth earlier or later than average, you may notice your teeth have a tendency to be overcrowded. A sign of this condition is when there is little to no space in between your teeth. While it might not seem like a big deal, overcrowded teeth can put more pressure on your gums and enamel, which can cause pain and inflammation. Another reason to correct this problem with braces or other forms of orthodontic work is because an overcrowded mouth can be very difficult to clean. This means plaque can build up more easily in between and behind teeth, potentially leading to other issues if left untreated.

A final reason to seek orthodontic care is maybe the most important, and that’s to boost your self-confidence. Despite the fact that it seems like the majority of adolescents and teenagers have braces at some point, you might feel self-conscious or embarrassed about your smile before orthodontics. Modern technology gives you the ability to straighten your teeth without having to tell anyone! At Ascent Dental Care, we offer Invisalign as an option to get the smile you want without obvious metal brackets or wires that need to be tightened every few weeks. Invisalign is a great solution if you’re looking for maximum benefits without the pain and conspicuous nature of traditional braces.

To learn more about Invisalign or any of our other cosmetic dentistry services, request an appointment.