When your bite is not properly aligned, it can lead to TMJ, health problems, and other negative consequences over the course of your life. Additionally, bite problems can change your appearance and make you feel more self-conscious about your smile. If you aren’t happy with your grin currently, braces are often a great orthodontic option to transform your look. Are braces right for you? What makes a good candidate for braces? Read on to learn more!
What Orthodontic Problems Do You Have?
Braces can correct a broad range of bite problems inside of your mouth, including:
- Open bite, or when your top and bottom teeth do not meet properly
- Overbite, or when your top teeth overlap the top of your bottom teeth
- Underbite, or when your top teeth are tucked behind your bottom teeth
- Crossbite, or when at least some of your top teeth do not align with your bottom teeth
- Overjet, or when your front top teeth protrude
By using braces, you can straighten your teeth and pull them into a natural bite that feels comfortable and helps you avoid jaw problems. Some of the other indications that it might be time to explore braces include:
- Excessive cheek biting
- Mouth breathing during the day or overnight
- Trouble chewing
- TMJ pain or soreness
- Early, late, or irregular baby tooth loss
- A jaw that is not in proportion with your teeth
- Jaw shifting
How Old Are You?
It is never too late to take the step of improving your smile with braces. Braces can be used by children, teenagers, and adults to correct their smiles.
What Types of Braces Are There?
Metal Braces
Metal braces are what many people think of when they think of braces and orthodontic treatments. Brackets are installed on your teeth, and wires are threaded through them and adjusted to help guide your teeth to the right position. Elastics may also be used as part of your braces treatment to help shift the position of your jaw and correct an overbite or an underbite.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are also known as ceramic braces or aesthetic braces because they are more subtle than metal braces. They are made of a unique ceramic material designed to blend into the surface of your teeth, so they will be less noticeable when you smile or speak. Ceramic braces are a great option for people who are not candidates for Invisalign but want something that is not as obvious as metal braces.
Is There Anything That Could Prevent You From Getting Braces?
Periodontal disease can be one of the challenges when you are exploring getting braces. Gum disease can happen when the gums supporting your teeth are infected. Even if you are having your gum disease treated, you may need to wait before getting braces. Gum disease is a very common condition that impacts millions of adults. In fact, almost half of adults aged 30 or older have at least some level of gum disease. Some of the indicators that you have gum disease include:
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Gums that are red and swollen
- Gaps between your teeth and the gums below them
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth
- Changes in your bite
Your dentist can diagnose gum disease and help you find the right solution for your gum disease so that you can potentially have braces with your orthodontist in the future.
Schedule Your Braces Consultation Today
Dream Orthodontics in South Surrey helps patients just like you get their dream smiles. If you’re interested in learning more about traditional braces, clear braces, or Invisalign, contact us today by calling 604-542-8552. We look forward to helping you transform your smile!