Six Signs You May Need Braces

Have you ever wondered if you need braces?

You may have straight teeth, but did you know that braces are worn for more than cosmetic reasons. Often times, patients get braces because they have a common orthodontic problem that is negatively impacting their oral health.

Not sure if you need braces?

Check out the six signs that you may need braces. If any of the signs apply to you, we encourage you to book your free consultation with Team Orthodontics. During your consultation, Dr. D will create an orthodontic plan and determine whether any action is necessary.

1. Crowding

Crowding is the most common condition addressed in orthodontic care. When there isn’t enough space in your mouth for all of your teeth, then you are experiencing crowding. Braces or orthodontic treatment at a young age can help with crowding, but even patients that had braces when they were younger can experience crowding as adults. Crowding gets worse as time goes on and can result in areas that are very difficult to brush and floss. When you aren’t able to keep your teeth clean, plaque accumulates and can cause tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and bone loss around the teeth. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about crowding because it can be fixed with adult braces! Dr. D has dealt with thousands of crowding cases. He can repair any damage that has already been done and can help avoid any future problems.

2. Gapping & Spacing

Some celebrities and models flawlessly pull off gaps or spaces in their teeth, but if you don’t dig yours, let us help! Gapping and spacing is the opposite of crowding. Those who have gaps in between their teeth may be missing a tooth or have a large jaw.

3. Overbite

An overbite is caused when the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth. This is not only noticeable but also comes with many health and oral problems. There is an increased risk or trauma to the front teeth and likelihood of fracturing the front teeth in the case of an injury. Overbites can also lead to extreme tooth wear and gum recession.

4. Underbite

Opposite of the overbite, the underbite occurs when all of the upper front teeth are behind the lower front teeth. Typically this occurs when patients have a disproportionate jaw size. If you have difficulty chewing and biting, you may have an underbite. Underbites can also cause accelerated facial aging and an imbalanced facial appearance.

5. Crossbite

Do you have an upper tooth that crosses behind a lower opposing tooth? If so, you may have a crossbite. This is an abnormal bite and should not be left untreated. Without proper care, a crossbite can cause asymmetric jaw growth, extreme wear of teeth and increased gum recession of the affected teeth. Crossbites can be fixed, but if you wait too long, there can be an inability to restore fractured or worn teeth.

6. Open bite

Another type of abnormal bite is the open bite. If you bite down and your teeth don’t touch, you could have an open bite. Typically open bites cause speech problems and difficulty biting.

If you’re experiencing any of the above signs, you should call Team Orthodontics at 480-759-3333 or fill out the contact form below to schedule your free consultation. During your consultation, Dr. D will take digital x-rays and complete an oral and facial examination before making an orthopedic recommendation.

Call or email us today to see this and other differences that we provide our patients at Team Orthodontics. Reach out to our Ahwatukee orthodontist office or our Gilbert orthodontist office and we’ll do our best to help you out with all your orthodontic needs.

Written by Dr. Ken Danyluk, Orthodontist at Team Orthodontics