6 Signs Orthodontic Treatment Is Right for You
Choosing to undergo orthodontic treatment is an important decision that can result in lifelong benefits. If you are considering traditional braces or Invisalign®, it is important to understand the treatment process as well as your candidacy.
How can you know if the time and money spent on straightening your teeth will be worth it? Today, our team at Premier Dental & Implant Center in Orland Park, IL, explores six signs that indicate orthodontics are right for you, and how our dentists and orthodontists can help you achieve optimal oral health, function, and appearance with braces and Invisalign clear aligners.
1. You Are Unhappy With the Appearance of Your Smile
One of the most common reasons individuals seek orthodontic treatment is to enhance the appearance of their smiles. If you have crooked, gapped, overlapped, or rotated teeth, it can detract from a beautiful smile.
Braces can certainly address these issues in addition to improving the overall function and health of your teeth and gums.
2. You Have Difficulty Biting into Food
If you consistently have difficulty biting into food, it is likely due to malocclusion. When the teeth do not fit or meet together as they should, it can compromise your overall oral health. In addition, if you constantly bite the insides of your cheeks, it can also mean the teeth are not aligned properly. If this describes you, braces could be beneficial.
3. You Lost Your Baby Teeth Early
Sometimes, patients lose their primary teeth prematurely. As a result, the permanent adult teeth are affected.
For example, when they grow in, the adult teeth may erupt in less-than-ideal positions, which can have a detrimental effect on growth and development.
If you lost your baby teeth much earlier than your adult teeth grew in, chances are you need orthodontic treatment.
4. You Have Crooked or Overlapping Teeth
Crooked and overlapped teeth can have a negative impact on your physical appearance. More importantly, however, this type of misalignment can make it difficult to brush and floss your teeth effectively.
Straighter teeth are much easier to clean. As a result, patients who undergo orthodontic treatment have a reduced risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
5. You Have Gaps Between the Teeth
Gaps or spaces can be caused by a number of conditions, including tooth loss, periodontal disease, shifting, and more. If you have gaps in your smile, it can impair normal chewing function. If this is the case, your oral health can be improved with orthodontics.
6. Your Jaws Click Frequently
The teeth, jaw joints, oral soft tissues, and surrounding anatomies all work together harmoniously for optimal oral health. When one of these elements is out of alignment, it can result in a domino effect of problems.
For example, if the teeth are misaligned, it can actually cause the jaws to become unbalanced. As a result, your jaw muscles work overtime trying to compensate for the issue.
This can lead to TMJ disorder and other jaw problems. In many cases, metal braces or clear aligners like Invisalign can address these issues.
What Are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment?
If you have minor orthodontic concerns, you may wonder if orthodontic treatment is worth it. There are many benefits to undergoing treatment with braces or Invisalign:
- Better Oral Hygiene - Crooked or misaligned teeth can be difficult to properl