Dental Braces: Everything you Need to Know

As people are increasingly becoming self-conscious of their appearance and smile, the demand for orthodontic treatment has also increased exponentially over the years. Today, people of all ages are considering braces to get their teeth alignment and enjoy a charming and attractive smile. If you are also concerned about your crooked or misaligned teeth and are thinking of treatment with braces, this article is for you. So, continue reading to learn more about dental braces and how they can help you enjoy a beautiful, balanced smile.

How do I know if I need braces?

The primary purpose of orthodontic treatment with braces is to restore the optimal alignment of crooked and misaligned teeth. This is because misaligned teeth create a significant esthetic concern and affect one’s ability to eat and speak normally. Hence, if you have teeth that are not aligned properly, you may be a candidate for getting braces. Some of the conditions that may require the need for braces include:

  • Tooth crowding
  • Excessive spaces between the teeth, or diastema
  • Underbites – a condition where the lower teeth extend farther than the upper ones.
  • Deep bites – this is a condition where the upper teeth extend farther or overlap their lower counterparts.
  • Open bites – a condition where the upper and lower teeth do not mate properly when the mouth is closed, resulting in a distinct “lisp” in one’s voice.
  • Refinement of tooth alignment to improve one’s smile and facial esthetics.
  • Tooth wear – if you are experiencing excessive wearing of your teeth, it may be because of the improper alignment of the upper and lower jaws. Such as situation can also result in temporomandibular joint disorders.

However, you alone cannot decide whether you need treatment with braces.

  • The Treatment Planning Phase – First, you should consult your dentist and express your desire to get braces. They will perform a detailed clinical examination and evaluate the x-ray images, and study models of your teeth. Based on the obtained information, they decide whether you are a candidate for orthodontic treatment and, more importantly, which type of braces would be most suitable for you.

For example, your dentist may recommend fixed braces or Invisalign aligners if you have mild to moderate tooth crowding. On the other hand, the treatment of complex cases may sometimes require a combination of braces treatment and reconstructive jaw surgery.