La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – Many of us spent our adolescent years in braces to perfect our smiles and improve our bites. But those that didn’t have orthodontic treatment in their younger years may wonder now if they could benefit from braces. So, how can you tell if you need braces as an adult?
How to Know If You Need Braces as an Adult?
“For some of us, it’s very obvious that our smiles could benefit from orthodontic treatment,” says Dr. Gire. “There may be visible crowding, slight spacing, or our teeth look crooked. We may even have large gaps. But the signs that adults can benefit from braces can vary, depending on age and our overall dental health.”
Braces for adults are much more common than ever before. That’s because adults are now realizing the benefits that orthodontic treatment entails. It’s certainly well beyond just a prettier smile. If you are wondering if orthodontic treatment may be right for you, here are some questions to ask yourself.
Questions to Determine If You Need Braces as an Adult:
- Do you have a difficult time flossing around crooked teeth?
- Is it difficult to brush your teeth properly?
- Do you frequently bite your tongue or cut your tongue on your teeth?
- Do your teeth not meet properly or do they not meet at all?
- Do you have difficulty making certain sounds?
- Is it difficult to bite or chew properly?
- Does your jaw make noise?
- Do you experience frequent jaw pain or fatigue?
- Do you frequently hide your smile because you don’t like the way it looks?
- Did you have orthodontic treatment as a child but didn’t wear your retainers as recommended by your orthodontist, or your retainers do not fit anymore?
- Are you self-consciousness about your smile?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist.
Signs That Adults May Need Braces
– Gire Orthodontics
Above questions can be summarized into the following signs that you might need braces or orthodontic treatment as an adult:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Bite problems
- Gaps between teeth
- Jaw pain or discomfort
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Self-consciousness about your smile
- Previous orthodontic treatment
The Many Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment for Adults
There are many benefits to orthodontic treatment. First, you’ll find that a better-aligned smile is easier to take care of. When the teeth are all straight and aligned, it’s much easier to properly brush and floss. If you’ve had problems with decay and gum disease, the problem may not be to brush and floss more – it may be a problem with your bite. Once the teeth are aligned, you’ll be better able to keep your mouth clean and keep decay at bay.Your tooth alignment does much more than just offer a pretty smile. Your teeth work hard in your mouth, helping you bite, chew, and even speak properly. And when your bite is out of alignment, it can also lead to jaw pain. Misalignment means the forces placed when biting down aren’t distributed equally. This can cause pain, but can also lead to teeth that can chip, crack, or break over time. Misaligned teeth can even lead to headaches and earaches.
Your tooth alignment does much more than just offer a pretty smile. Your teeth work hard in your mouth, helping you bite, chew, and even speak properly. And when your bite is out of alignment, it can also lead to jaw pain. Misalignment means the forces placed when biting down aren’t distributed equally. This can cause pain, but can also lead to teeth that can chip, crack, or break over time. Misaligned teeth can even lead to headaches and earaches.
Best Way to Know If You Need Braces as an Adult
But perhaps the best way to determine if orthodontic treatment is right for you is by scheduling a consultation with a board-certified orthodontist. Initial consultations are complimentary and can help determine what, if any, issues you may have. Then, a treatment plan can be created to address those issues and provide you with your ideal smile.
If you answered yes to any of the questions above and are ready to see how orthodontic treatment can transform your smile and your life, call Gire Orthodontics today at 562-690-1199 (La Habra) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills).
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