Of course you should be regularly visiting the dentist, but what about the orthodontist? As a general rule, you should see an orthodontist when you have questions or concerns about the positioning of your teeth, including what they look like and how they feel.
According to the American Dental Association, abnormal bites typically become noticeable between the ages of 6-12, which is why orthodontic treatment usually begins between ages 8-14, while children are still growing and can achieve optimal results. But braces aren’t limited to children and teenagers. Many adults get braces, too, and successfully straighten their smiles through orthodontic services.
But how do you know if you need braces? There are several indicators.
Signs You May Need Braces
We can’t control how our teeth grow in. Even with the best oral care from a young age, sometimes teeth just don’t do what we want them to and they grow in unevenly, causing pain, discomfort, embarrassment, and other problems. If you’re wondering about braces, here are some of the tell-tale signs that you need braces.
Mouth Pain
You shouldn’t feel pain in your mouth, teeth, or gums on a regular basis. If you’re experiencing any mouth pain, even when you’re chewing, then there’s an underlying cause. Usually, it can be attributed to your teeth, which may not be in alignment. On occasion, there are other issues going on that need to be addressed.
Poor Sleep
If you have a hard time sleeping because you suffer from sleep apnea or breathing troubles, your airways may be blocked. Sometimes, this is due to a narrow jaw, which can prevent your teeth from getting into proper alignment, blocking air from passing through. If this is the case for you, then it’s likely leading to poor sleep.
Difficulty Speaking
Articulation can be hard for anyone, but it’s especially difficult for those who need braces. If you have a really hard time articulating when you speak, then it may be related to your teeth. Lisps, whistles, slurs, and stutters can often be traced back to jaw structure or teeth placement that restricts movement and makes it difficult for you to articulate when you speak.
Faltering Confidence
Overbites, underbites, overcrowding, and other teeth problems don’t just hurt — they can also make you feel bad about yourself, stripping you of your confidence. No matter what the case is for your teeth, you deserve to have a smile you’re confident in and can proudly show off. Braces can be a total game-changer for those who have been hiding their smiles for years.
Other Problems
Outside of cosmetic reasons, there are other problems that require braces for improvement. For instance, if you lost your baby teeth too early, too late, or sucked your thumb as a child, you may need braces. And if you deal with bad breath day in and day out, that could be another sign pointing to misaligned teeth that can be fixed with braces.
The truth is, you’ll never really know if you need braces or why you need braces until you step into an orthodontist office for an orthodontic consultation. Everyone’s smile is different, and you never know what you may need! Not everyone has to go through two years of traditional metal braces. At the same time, not everyone can wear Invisalign, either. Visiting an orthodontist can put your mind at ease because you can find out if and why you need braces, then determine what to do about it.
Get Started with Orthodontic Services in St. Augustine
If you’re experiencing any of the above signs, then you may be a good candidate for braces! Fortunately, braces can work for pretty much anyone, no matter how old they are. So whether you’re a teenager or adult, you can talk with an orthodontist about getting braces so you can straighten your smile and feel better. At Henry Orthodontics, we proudly provide orthodontic services for children, teens, and adults in St. Augustine, St. Johns, and the surrounding FL communities. To get started, schedule a free consultation today!
