Dental Issues That Need Braces

Your smile should be beautiful and perfect, but several dental issues are preventing most people from having the smile they desire. Different treatments are available for correcting dental issues like misaligned teeth, jaw pain when chewing or biting hard foods.

Your orthodontist can help you decide if Invisalign braces in London or other types of braces are best for you, but there a few signs that help you know when you need braces treatment. If you experience any of the dental issues below, you may need to get braces or Invisalign.

• Pain or difficulty when biting
  
  If you notice pain while biting or you find it difficult to bite down on food while eating, you may need to see your orthodontist for braces. This kind of pain usually occurs when eating hard foods like apples or sticky foods. Some persons usually bite one side of their tongue or teeth. This eating disorder usually results from misalignment of the teeth.
  
• Excess or inconsistent gap between the teeth
  
  When you have excess space between your teeth, it is a sign that you need to get braces. Having large spaces between your teeth makes your smile unattractive and increases your risk of jaw misalignment, eating difficulties, and took decay. Food will likely get trapped in the gaps, and this could lead to gum irritation and pain. With races, you could reduce the gaps between your teeth and avoid other oral health issues.
  
• Crowded or crooked teeth
  
  Braces can correct malocclusion (crowded or crooked teeth). Wearing braces can help realign your bite and create space in your mouth. You can know if you have crowded teeth by flossing your teeth regularly. If you find it difficult to floss between some teeth, you may have teeth spacing issues that need braces treatment.
  
  If you do not treat malocclusion, it could lead to having an impacted tooth that needs surgery, and this treatment is more expensive.
  
• The clicking of the jaw or jaw pain
  
  If you experience jaw pain, creaking, or clicking of the jaw, your teeth may be misaligned. You may want to overlook occasional jaw pain but tell your dentist or orthodontist about it during your dental visit.
  
  You could reduce jaw pain when you straighten your teeth and correct any bite issue you have. If you are experience jaw pain, it could be due to more severe issues that need immediate dental attention, so to be safe, speak to your dentist about the jaw pain.
  
• Protruding teeth
  
  If you have teeth protruding out of your mouth, you need braces to realign the teeth to their perfect position. Protruding teeth not only dampens your self-esteem but also increases the risk of dental injuries from falls because the teeth are not protected.

What to do if you need braces

If you notice these signs above that need braces, the next step is to book an appointment with your orthodontist. The orthodontist will examine your bite and teeth to determine whether or not you are suitable for treatment with braces. Your orthodontist may ask questions about any jaw or mouth pain and your pattern of chewing.

What do I do if I cannot afford the treatment?

If a licensed orthodontist recommends treatment with braces, your dental health insurance plan may cover part of your treatment. Before your braces treatment, contact your dental health insurance company to confirm if they cover treatment with braces, or you have to pay for the entire treatment yourself.

Most orthodontists offer different treatment plans to make braces more affordable, so, you can ask your orthodontist for a suitable treatment plan. Bear in mind that getting braces is a good investment for your smile.

Research for a suitable type of braces

Different types of braces are available like traditional metal and clear or invisible braces. All braces are effective, but your preference determines the type that would be suitable for you.

You may need to speak to your orthodontist to know the options available for you as each type has its pros and cons. Before you visit your orthodontist, do some background research on the different types of braces, then note the questions to ask your orthodontist.

If you want a better smile and you need an experienced orthodontist to guide you through your teeth straightening journey, contact Invisalign dentist.