Not sure whether braces are right for you?
For some, braces are nice to have, but not essential. They can be used to correct minor cosmetic problems. Feeling confident about your smile is important, which makes braces a good investment in your wellness.
For others, braces are a true need, because they correct problems that can get in the way of good oral health. Of course, our dentists will always tell you whether or not a dental exam has revealed that you need braces. Also, sometimes you just know.
But otherwise, you are probably on the fence as to whether braces are necessary. Here are four signs that you might need braces.
Braces for crowded and crooked teeth
Teeth that are crowded are more difficult to clean. Crowded teeth become crooked teeth very quickly, because they slowly push each other around your mouth. An inability to get into those little spaces between the teeth can lead to severe gum disease and tooth decay, leading to the eventual loss of those teeth.
How much crowding is too much? You need to address tooth crowding when you experience any of the following symptoms:
If you have any of these symptoms you might want or need braces.
Braces for overbites & underbites
An overbite occurs when teeth on the top jaw stick out farther than teeth on the bottom jaw. An underbite is the opposite: lower teeth resting in front of top teeth.
You might not even notice a mild overbite or underbite. These conditions are severe enough to warrant braces when:
Sometimes, of course, we can tell that an overbite or underbite will bring you trouble even before you experience any symptoms. If we tell you that you need braces for your overbite or underbite, it's probably because we expect trouble. That is why children need braces far more often than adults do: Their teeth are still growing, and a dentist or orthodontist has spotted the detrimental ways they're likely to grow if the problem isn't corrected.
Braces for gaps between teeth
Gaps between the teeth can promote gum disease, creating spaces where food can get tripped. You should floss every day, of course, but if you're trapping more food than normal between your normal brushing sessions then your teeth have more trouble to contend with.
Gaps can also be unsightly. If you don't like the way gaps make your smile look, then it's still worthwhile to consider braces, even if you're not suffering from any major dental problems.
Think you need braces?
Just call us at (909) 981-4111 to set up an appointment at any of our 4 convenient locations: Upland, Chino, Rancho Cucamonga, and Wildomar.
For some, braces are nice to have, but not essential. They can be used to correct minor cosmetic problems. Feeling confident about your smile is important, which makes braces a good investment in your wellness.
For others, braces are a true need, because they correct problems that can get in the way of good oral health. Of course, our dentists will always tell you whether or not a dental exam has revealed that you need braces. Also, sometimes you just know.
But otherwise, you are probably on the fence as to whether braces are necessary. Here are four signs that you might need braces.
Braces for crowded and crooked teeth
Teeth that are crowded are more difficult to clean. Crowded teeth become crooked teeth very quickly, because they slowly push each other around your mouth. An inability to get into those little spaces between the teeth can lead to severe gum disease and tooth decay, leading to the eventual loss of those teeth.
How much crowding is too much? You need to address tooth crowding when you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Jaw pain
- Discomfort when you bite down
- Bleeding gums
- Extreme difficulty in flossing
If you have any of these symptoms you might want or need braces.
Braces for overbites & underbites
An overbite occurs when teeth on the top jaw stick out farther than teeth on the bottom jaw. An underbite is the opposite: lower teeth resting in front of top teeth.
You might not even notice a mild overbite or underbite. These conditions are severe enough to warrant braces when:
- You lack the confidence to smile because of the appearance of your overbite or underbite.
- You're struggling to bite or chew.
- You struggle to speak clearly.
- The overbite is causing your lower teeth to wear down and lose tooth structure.
- You're struggling with painful mouth sores.
- You can't clean your teeth properly.
- You often have aches and pains in your jaw.
Sometimes, of course, we can tell that an overbite or underbite will bring you trouble even before you experience any symptoms. If we tell you that you need braces for your overbite or underbite, it's probably because we expect trouble. That is why children need braces far more often than adults do: Their teeth are still growing, and a dentist or orthodontist has spotted the detrimental ways they're likely to grow if the problem isn't corrected.
Braces for gaps between teeth
Gaps between the teeth can promote gum disease, creating spaces where food can get tripped. You should floss every day, of course, but if you're trapping more food than normal between your normal brushing sessions then your teeth have more trouble to contend with.
Gaps can also be unsightly. If you don't like the way gaps make your smile look, then it's still worthwhile to consider braces, even if you're not suffering from any major dental problems.
Think you need braces?
Just call us at (909) 981-4111 to set up an appointment at any of our 4 convenient locations: Upland, Chino, Rancho Cucamonga, and Wildomar.