Signs That You Need Braces By Kellyn Hodges on October 14, 2020

A great smile enhances your appearance and makes you proud to show it off to the world. However, if your smile is not up to par and could use some improvement, then braces might be the answer. This orthodontic treatment is used so that patients can have straighter, healthier-looking teeth.

Crooked, gapped, or overlapped teeth are signs that you need braces. If you notice any of these conditions, schedule an appointment at our dental practice. We have three convenient locations to serve you in Bensalem, PA, Montgomeryville, PA, and Bala Cynwyd, PA. We work closely with you to customize a braces treatment plan that will provide the dazzling smile that you deserve.

Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth are one of the main reasons that people choose to wear braces. When teeth are severely crooked, some patients have difficulty eating, speaking, and biting. They also might have a harder time brushing and flossing due to overcrowding since some teeth are harder to access.

Underbite or Overbite

With an underbite, the bottom teeth extend out farther than the upper teeth. Conversely, an overbite, or deep bite, is a condition in which the upper teeth significantly overlap the lowers.

Underbites or overbites can also cause issues with speaking clearly since some individuals are unable to form certain sounds. When the misalignments are more severe, patients might suffer from jaw pain or headaches.

Frequent Tongue Biting

If patients find themselves constantly biting their tongue due to problems with their teeth, this might be a sign that they need braces. The constant biting can cause pain and discomfort or could even cause an infection.

Jaw Popping or Clicking

Patients who experience a popping or clicking in the jaw when they wake up, eat, or bite down might need braces. These symptoms are usually due to a problem with the temporomandibular joints (TMJs). Disorders with the TMJ can be painful and uncomfortable, so when braces correct the teeth, symptoms can be alleviated.

What Can I Expect When I Get Braces?

When patients get braces in our office, we make the process as comfortable as possible. There is minimal pain with the procedure, and it typically lasts one to two hours.

Before placing braces, your teeth are cleaned, polished, and dried, then the dentist applies a conditioner on the surface of the teeth. After about 30 seconds, the dentist removes the conditioner and allows the teeth to dry. Next, your doctor primes the teeth before using a dental bond to cement the brackets in place. A special light is used to harden the glue and secure the braces.

Wires and bands are then placed to keep the brackets secure and ensure they apply enough pressure to shift teeth into the correct position. Your dentist can make any needed adjustments for a comfortable fit.

How Do I Maintain My Braces?

To maintain your braces, you need to follow your dentist’s instructions. This includes avoiding foods that are sticky or extra hard since they can be more difficult to remove from the teeth and braces. Since debris can get caught in the brackets and wires, patients must keep up a good oral hygiene regimen and might need to brush and floss more frequently. Patients should also visit the dentist routinely for adjustments to ensure braces are performing as they should.