Getting braces is an incredibly helpful investment that can transform your smile into one you can enjoy for the rest of your life. However, it can be tricky to know whether or not this investment is the best one for you. Read on to learn how to tell whether or not you need braces.

Frequent Jaw Discomfort

One sign that you need braces is if you frequently experience any discomfort with your teeth or jaw. One of the things that braces do is correct alignment issues since misalignment can lead to discomfort. If your jaw is out of alignment, you may have headaches, jaw pain, and even difficulty chewing. All of these issues can be resolved with proper orthodontic care. 

Meet with your dentist, and ask if they think orthodontia could help you with these issues. If your misalignment is serious enough, you may need a surgical procedure to correct it. Nevertheless, often braces are more than enough to get your jaw back into alignment and ease symptoms.

Bite Issues

Another dental issue that could signify a need for braces is a “bad bite.” Most people are familiar with the idea of an overbite or an underbite. These issues often occur because of jaw or teeth misalignment. 

There are actually several types of bite problems: You could have a crossbite, where some of your front teeth are behind the bottoms while some are in front. You could also have an open bite, where your teeth don’t close all the way. This is often caused by sucking your thumb or a pacifier as a child and can lead to speech problems, trouble swallowing, and greater stress on your teeth and jaw.  A “bad bite” is fairly easy to diagnose, as it is usually clearly visible. If you have a bad bite, braces can fix it and prevent future oral health concerns. 

Your Dentist Tells You

The last (and most obvious) way to know if you need braces is if your dentist tells you that you do. You may be unaware of any dental issues that you have. Not all of them are outwardly obvious. However, your dentist knows what to look for and may recommend that you seek orthodontic treatment. 

If your dentist recommends braces, it is worth some serious consideration. Braces aren’t merely there to make your teeth more aesthetically pleasing. Rather, braces prevent dental issues that can arise from seemingly minor (or major) problems. When your teeth and jaw are in proper alignment, it is easier to keep them clean and prevent cavities, as well as other oral health problems. 

If you’ve been considering braces, but you’re not sure whether you need them, these factors can help you determine if you do. Nevertheless, consult with your dentist or an orthodontist for additional advice. In the end, no matter what your concern is, braces can help!

If you need braces, Farley Orthodontics can help! Click here to learn why our office is likely the best choice for you.