As part of keeping ourselves fit and healthy, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is a must. When our baby teeth fall out and our adult ones take their place, we only get one set of them. Therefore, it’s imperative you do everything you can to keep your gums fresh and teeth squeaky clean.
While many of us are lucky to have perfectly aligned teeth, some of us have teeth that come in crooked. If you have misaligned teeth, not only may they not look as appealing, there are all sorts of health issues that can arise, such as gum disease. The solution to all your problems may be in the form of braces. If you’re not sure if braces are right for you, here are some warning signs that may indicate it’s time to start treatment.
Difficulty Biting
When biting down, your teeth should fit comfortably together. If yours don’t, you aren’t alone. Millions of people in the United States have some kind of incorrect bite. Even though it’s common, that doesn’t mean you should leave it unchecked. One of the most common types of abnormal bites is an overbite. This is when the upper front teeth stick out much further than the bottom ones. Your bottom jaw may appear more set back compared to the top too.
Another common type of abnormal bite is an underbite. This is when the bottom teeth stick out further than your upper teeth. A crossbite is when one or several upper teeth sit behind your lower teeth. An open bite occurs when the bottom and top teeth cannot touch when your jaw is closed. If you’ve got any of these bite issues, now may be the time for braces.
Excessive Gaps Between Teeth
For those who have gaps between their teeth, this is a signal that there could be too much room in their mouth. Gaps between teeth are common in children, especially if they’ve still got their baby teeth. However, as you grow up and your adult teeth come in, they’re bigger and should fit nicely together. If this isn’t the case and you’ve got excessive gaps, this leaves more gum surface exposed to gum disease.
You may have self-esteem issues if you have gaps between your teeth too. To correct this, braces from ALIGNERCO can help. They have a guide on the cost of braces which can help you plan ahead. As well as brace costs, they’ve got a free assessment you can make use of to determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for braces.
Crowded or Crooked Teeth
Arguably the most common problem that leads to braces treatment is crowded teeth. This occurs when there’s not enough space in the mouth to allow teeth to properly line up. Your teeth can get packed together tightly and overlap. Not only is this an aesthetic issue, but this can also lead to health problems too.
Should your teeth be too close together, you may have difficulty brushing and flossing. Also, food can easily get trapped in these areas, which can lead to tooth decay, bad breath, and cavities. Getting your teeth straightened can fix this problem and restore your confidence and self-esteem. If your confidence has dwindled as a result of crowded or crooked teeth, don’t suffer in silence. Getting your teeth straightened can truly make a difference in your life and help put a spring In your step.
Protruding Teeth
Protruding teeth, known as buck teeth are ones that stick out beyond your lips. If you have this issue, you’ll need braces to get them back into alignment. Protruding teeth can be tough on a person’s confidence and self-esteem. What’s more, you’re at a higher risk of a dental injury.
One of the most common causes of protruding teeth is thumb-sucking throughout childhood. Sadly, this common habit can have long-lasting consequences. The good news is thanks to aligner technology, you can get protruding teeth fixed without the need for metal braces.
Speech Problems
When you’re conversing with others, have you noticed a confused expression on their face from time to time? If the answer is yes, you may have a speech impediment. While there are many factors that can cause speech issues, you may not be aware that it could be down to how your teeth align.
Speech problems are one of the possible consequences of crooked teeth, otherwise known as malocclusion. Crooked teeth can disrupt the overall harmony of your mouth, making it difficult to form words correctly. Undergoing braces treatment and getting your teeth straightened may solve this issue.
To achieve and maintain a healthy smile, starting braces treatment may be the answer. If you have any of the tell-tale signs above, they shouldn’t be ignored. This is because over time, you’ll be at a higher risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and potentially losing teeth.