When do i need braces

At the same time, braces are not just for children. These days, more and more adults are wearing braces to improve their smiles and ease oral discomfort. In most cases, braces can effectively correct a troublesome overbite; however, in rare instances, surgery may be necessary.

If you are concerned about your overbite, consider meeting with a local dentist to get a professional evaluation. There are a number of issues that can cause a person to require braces, including:.

Because they leave less room for teeth to grow, smaller mouths can promote crowding once permanent teeth begin growing. Some kids push their tongues forward against the lips, which can cause an open bite, a protrusion of teeth or other issues.

Some people develop extra teeth, which can cause crowding. Other people suffer traumatic injuries or untimely tooth loss, which can also cause dental issues. This can affect the bite and cause difficulty chewing. It can also contribute to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. Some people may experience alignment issues, when they engage in thumb sucking during and beyond infancy.

While accidents and bad habits can cause alignment problems, most people inherit their dental issues. Just like every other part of body, genetics play a key role in determining whether our teeth will be straight or crooked. A qualified dentist will recommend a specific type of braces, depending on your unique needs.

That said, the choice will usually be up to you. There are three basic types of braces: metal, brackets and plastic, the latter of which are much less noticeable. Lingual braces include brackets that affix to the rear portions of the teeth to stay out of view. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation visit to the orthodontist no later than age 7.

How to Clean Your Teeth with Braces. Taking Care of Your Braces. Thanks for Subscribing! Thank you for joining our mailing list. Think about why you want braces. There are many reasons people choose to wear braces. Sometimes, it is merely a cosmetic decision. Many people associate straight, white teeth with health and beauty, and there is nothing wrong with wanting a pearly white smile. However, there are also medical reasons to consider braces.

Determine your willingness to live with braces. If you are an adult, you will need to wear braces anywhere from 12 to 20 months, on average. Adults may need to wear braces longer than young children and teens. Additionally, because adult facial bones have stopped growing and are much more mineralized, braces cannot correct some conditions in adults such as sleep apnea that they can in children. Talk to friends who have braces.

Decide whether you can afford braces. Some health insurance plans in the United States do not cover braces. Check with your health insurance provider about your dental coverage and out-of-pocket expenses. Get quotes from different orthodontists before making your decision. Some orthodontists offer braces for cheaper than others. Talk with your dentist about your teeth. While dentists do not have the specialized training that orthodontists have, they are a good place to start for advice about your teeth.

A dentist may be able to help you decide if you should see an orthodontist about your teeth and jaws. Your dentist may also be able to refer you to a reliable orthodontist in your area, and he or she can also prepare your case before the treatment starts if you need fillings, extractions, or fixing any other dental problems.

Ask your dentist about veneers. If your teeth are not crooked or crowded enough to need braces for realignment, veneers might be a good option for you. Veneers are thin porcelain sheets that are bonded to the fronts of your teeth to improve their aesthetic appearance, and they offer instant results by making your teeth look straight and white and giving you a perfect smile.

Part 4. Ask your dentist about braces. Your dentist can take X-rays and perform bite tests that will help determine whether you need to see an orthodontist.

Your dentist can also tell if your teeth are overcrowded or just a little tight. Consult an orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists maintains an online database of AAO-certified orthodontists, including a search feature to find an orthodontist in your area. You can also ask your regular dentist for a referral.

Understand the types of braces available. However, some people may feel self-conscious about having very conspicuous braces. Clear ceramic braces fit on the front of the teeth just like metal braces, but are less conspicuous. They are slightly less effective than metal braces and are also more prone to staining and breaking. They also generally cost more than metal braces.

Invisible braces are totally different than traditional braces. The most common type of invisible brace is Invisalign. Invisalign braces are a series of customized aligners that are worn to gradually shift teeth into place. Because you need to get multiple sets of aligners made to gradually move your teeth, Invisalign braces are the most expensive option and have limited indications as the effects can't be compared to regular braces because they generate different types of forces.

They also do not work well for bite issues. Ask your orthodontist about any risks associated with braces. For almost everyone, wearing braces is a safe, if sometimes uncomfortable, procedure. However, there are some risks associated with braces, so ask your dental professional for information. While this almost never presents problems, it may in some cases cause unstable teeth. If your teeth have been previously damaged, such as by a physical trauma or accident, the tooth movement caused by braces may cause tooth discoloration or irritation in the tooth nerve.

It may also result in some loss of correction after your braces come off. Consult with your orthodontist about proper oral hygiene. Typically this occurs when patients have a disproportionate jaw size. If you have difficulty chewing and biting, you may have an underbite. Underbites can also cause accelerated facial aging and an imbalanced facial appearance.

Do you have an upper tooth that crosses behind a lower opposing tooth? If so, you may have a crossbite. This is an abnormal bite and should not be left untreated.

Without proper care, a crossbite can cause asymmetric jaw growth, extreme wear of teeth and increased gum recession of the affected teeth. Crossbites can be fixed, but if you wait too long, there can be an inability to restore fractured or worn teeth. Another type of abnormal bite is the open bite.