There’s no doubt that braces can drastically improve your smile and oral health, but it can be difficult to know whether or not you actually need braces. Undergoing orthodontic treatment is not related to your age; children, teenagers, and adults alike can all need braces. So, how do you know if braces are the right oral treatment for you?
Crooked or Crowded Teeth
This is the easiest way to tell if you need braces. If your teeth look crooked or crowded, or you are embarrassed to smile due to the aesthetics of your teeth, you may require braces.
Eating Is Difficult
If you have difficulty when chewing your food, it’s recommended you visit an orthodontist to assess your teeth. Having complications while eating is not only an inconvenience, it can also be harmful to your health. Braces can help alleviate this by fixing the alignment of your teeth.
Your Bite Is Uncomfortable
If you bite down and your teeth don’t fit together, that’s a sign that you need braces. Overbites (your upper teeth overlapping your lower teeth), underbites (your lower teeth overlapping your upper teeth), and crossbites (your upper or lower teeth bite on the inside of your teeth) are conditions known as malocclusion, and are common signs that you require braces to help with the alignment of your teeth.
Early Loss of Baby Teeth
If your baby teeth fell out early in your life and your adult teeth did not replace them early on, your teeth development may have been impacted. This may require some correction with braces.
These are some ways you can self-assess whether you need braces to correct your teeth. However, the easiest way to assess whether you require orthodontic treatment is to visit an orthodontist for a consultation.
Norwest Orthodontics’ Specialist Orthodontist Dr Shimanto Purkayastha is experienced in orthodontic treatments for children, teenagers, and adults, and can help inform you about whether you need braces, and what the best treatment options are for you. Contact Norwest Orthodontics on 02 9672 6113 and experience premium dental service today!
