Are you tired of hiding your smile while photos are being clicked? Well, you are not alone. Many people struggle with dental issues that mar their confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, braces can help.
Braces are a popular method for straightening teeth and improving oral health. In fact, around four million people in the U.S. wear braces, and this number includes adults too.
While some adults may be shy to don braces, the incentive of getting that perfect smile and eliminating dental problems is enough to motivate many into investing their time and money into this dental treatment.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, in the U.S., one in every five orthodontic patients is over 18 years old. In terms of the types of braces available for adults, there are several options, including traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, lingual braces (braces that attach to the back of the teeth), and clear aligners like Invisalign.
The cost of adult braces treatment can vary depending on the type of treatment and the severity of the orthodontic issues. In some cases, location also plays a key role in determining the cost. For example, if you live in Glastonbury, Connecticut, you will likely get adult braces at a reasonable price. The reason why adult braces treatment in Glastonbury, CT, is affordable compared to several other cities in America is that city of Glastonbury is peppered with expert orthodontists.
But how do you know if you need braces? In this post, we will be sharing some of the most obvious signs that it is about time you schedule a meeting with an orthodontist:
1. Crossbite
Crossbite refers to a condition when your upper teeth end up behind your lower teeth or do not properly meet on one side. Leaving a crossbite untreated will pave the way for many problems, including difficulty biting and chewing and potential jaw pain or TMJ issues. Crossbite issues are particularly common among adults. That is one reason adult braces are becoming increasingly common among American adults.
2. Breathing Through Mouth
Our nose is the primary source of breathing. It is responsible for warming, humidifying, and filtering the air we breathe in before it reaches the lungs. It also helps regulate the flow of air, ensuring that the air is evenly distributed between the two lungs. However, using the mouth as the primary source of breathing could be a tell-tale sign that you need braces.
Braces can address some of these underlying issues by creating more space in the mouth and airway. This can help improve breathing and reduce the risk of other related health issues, such as sleep apnea and snoring.
3. Crowded Teeth
Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered why your teeth overlap or are twisted? If yes, you are probably dealing with crowded teeth. This common dental problem occurs when your teeth are forced to fit into a small space. The causes of dental crowding can vary, including genetics, habits like thumb-sucking, or the early loss of baby teeth.
Crowded teeth can lead to many problems beyond cosmetic issues, such as trouble cleaning teeth, tooth decay, and gum disease. In severe cases, crowded teeth may also result in speech issues and difficulty chewing or biting.
Luckily, braces provide an effective solution to this problem. Braces apply a gentle and continuous force to move your teeth into their correct position. Depending on your specific dental needs, orthodontists may use traditional metal braces or other types of braces, like clear braces or Invisalign. Regardless of the type, braces will create more space in your mouth and enable you to achieve the confident smile you always wanted.
4. Gap Between Teeth
In children, gaps between teeth are relatively common as their jaws continue to grow while their baby teeth remain in place. The teeth may become too small for the area, leading to gaps between them. However, in adults, the gap between teeth is considered a sign of a mismatch between jaw size and teeth size.
Although gaps between teeth are not necessarily harmful, they expose more gum surfaces to potential gum disease. Apart from that, many people with gaps between their teeth may feel self-conscious about their appearance, leading to self-esteem issues.
Braces are a surefire treatment option for closing gaps between teeth. During the initial consultation with an orthodontist, they will evaluate your teeth and develop a customized treatment plan. Once your braces are in place, the process of closing gaps begins. The process might be slow, but the results are worth it.
5. Overbite
Overbite is a dental term that describes the degree of vertical overlap between the upper and lower front teeth. One of the biggest risks associated with an overbite is trauma to the front teeth. Because they protrude farther out than normal, they are more exposed and vulnerable to injury. A fall, accident, or even sports-related injuries could cause severe damage, including chipping or fracturing the front teeth.
Braces can fix overbite by applying gentle and constant pressure to the teeth. As the teeth move, the jawbones also shift to accommodate the new tooth positions. This process helps correct the alignment of the upper and lower teeth, ultimately fixing the overbite. The length of time required for braces to correct an overbite varies depending on the severity of the case. However, to give you a rough idea, the procedure may take anything between several months to a few years.
Conclusion
There you have it. If you notice any signs covered in this blog, you could be a potential candidate for braces. The process of attaching braces to your teeth may only take a few hours, but the results will last a lifetime. Of course, commitment, regular adjustments, and strict care are required to ensure your smile is picture-perfect in the long run.