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Did you know that at any given time there are over 4 million people wearing braces in the US? If you’re wondering about whether you need braces or not, it’s important to realize that not everyone has the exact same issues if they have braces. Some people may simply want straighter teeth while others may be having difficulty eating or swallowing.
Ultimately, there’s only one person that can confirm whether you need braces or not, and that’s the orthodontist. Dental correction is a tricky business, and truth be told, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the question “Do I need braces?” Keep reading below to learn about the signs that mean you need to see an orthodontist.
Crowding or Gaps
One of the most obvious signs that you may need braces and it’s time for that orthodontic appointment is the presence of crowding or gaps in your teeth. This means one of two things, either that your mouth simply doesn’t have enough room for all of your teeth, or your jaw may be a little larger than is needed for all your teeth.
Both of these can affect oral health. You should start by searching for “braces near me” and book that first appointment.
Problems With Speech
You may find that the way your teeth meet or don’t meet, or your lips part or how your teeth sit in your mouth, have created a speech impediment.
This could be in the form of a lisp or something else, sometimes simply straightening out the teeth can help eliminate the speech issues you’ve been experiencing. Talk it over at your first orthodontist appointment.
Your Teeth Don’t Meet at All
If you find yourself trying to bite into a juicy steak but cannot pull your bite away because your teeth don’t touch, that could be a surefire sign that you need to see an orthodontist. You can also search online for the best orthodontist near me for the best affordable services near your neighborhood.
Braces can help align teeth and sort out bite issues to help with eating. You may think that bite issues are not that serious, but over time, they can create plaque problems and even grinding problems.
Teeth on Top of Teeth
Another common sign that you may need braces is having teeth sitting on top of other teeth. You may have a line of teeth that sits a little crooked but manageably so, and above your incisors you have another two that do no good but they’re there anyway.
These teeth need to go, and sometimes, tooth removal can cause your teeth to move and change. Talk to your orthodontist about your concerns about this.
So, Do I Need Braces?
You ask the question, “Do I need braces?” Well, your orthodontist can give you the medical answer to that.
But, at the end of the day, you need to decide whether straight teeth are important to you. We know that having a great smile goes hand in hand with confidence and self-esteem, so perhaps it’s time to bite the bullet and make that appointment. Don’t leave just yet, we’ve got a whole section on health care just waiting for you!
