Braces are an effective oral health solution for those who use them. However, their effectiveness varies depending on the user and their capacity to adhere carefully to their orthodontist’s guidelines. Based on the condition you’re correcting and your age, there are various types of braces an orthodontist can recommend, including invisible, clear aligner, ceramic clear, traditional metal, and lingual tooth braces. With four million Americans wearing braces, their reasons for using them may vary. This article outlines seven reasons to get braces. Longevity Live Paid Content.
7 Reasons To Get Braces
1. Correct crowding of teeth
Crowding implies a lack of space, making it impossible for all your teeth to fit normally in the jaws, resulting in misaligned and twisted teeth. It occurs when your teeth don’t grow well aligned. Dental crowding may be due to genetic problems in jaw size, premature loss of baby teeth, abnormal teeth growth, extra adult teeth, and huge teeth.
When teeth are crowded and overlapping, cleaning them properly becomes harder, increasing the risk of plaque build-up and bacterial growth. It may also lead to dental caries or cavities, periodontal disease, low self-esteem, aching teeth or jaw, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and trouble biting or chewing.
If left untreated, dental crowding may result in poor oral hygiene, gum inflammation, teeth and enamel wear out, and faster deterioration. However, getting braces can help correct the crowding of teeth. With the help of orthodontic services near you, including braces in Jersey City, you can have your crowding teeth issue sufficiently addressed.
2. For an overbite correction
An overbite or buck tooth is an alignment issue that arises when the upper front teeth stick out beyond the lower front teeth. It can be hereditary or result from teeth grinding, excess nail biting, thumb sucking, using a pacifier for too long, or tongue thrusting. When ignored, an overbite may cause breathing challenges, gum disease, pain, or difficulty when chewing, speech issues, cavities, tooth decay, temporomandibular disease, or jaw pain. Braces can help to move the affected teeth into proper alignment slowly.
3. Address large teeth gaps or spacing
Gaps or too much space between teeth may be due to an abnormally large jaw. This problem may also be caused by your teeth being tinier than normal. If not corrected, excess tooth spacing may cause gum issues like gingivitis, prevent proper teeth functioning, bacteria growth, tooth decay, and an unpleasant smile.
Teeth gaps may also lead to shifting teeth, poor oral hygiene, a higher risk of dental health issues, issues with eating, speech issues, and premature aging from the sagging of your facial muscles. Braces can help close these spaces by moving teeth close together while ensuring proper alignment.
4. Correct an underbite
An underbite occurs when your lower teeth protrude beyond the upper ones. This often stems from jaw misalignment or class 3 malocclusion. An underbite may cause issues with your jaw and teeth. In serious cases, you may have challenges speaking correctly. It may also result in your front teeth wearing and tearing, making them more susceptible to breakage or chipping.
Since the jaw isn’t properly aligned, you might struggle to chew food. If you have an underbite, you may be more self-conscious about it, harming your social life and self-confidence. The condition may lead to a temporomandibular joint disorder, mouth breathing, halitosis (chronic poor breath), and sleep apnea.
An underbite may be genetic and result from injury or trauma to the jaw, bottle feeding, and bad childhood habits like thumb sucking and using a dummy nipple or pacifier.
In addition, tumor growth can misalign or shift your jaw, causing an underbite. In mild underbite cases, orthodontic treatments including braces, can straighten your teeth while realigning your jaw.
5. Address an open bite
An open bite is a rare tooth misalignment type affecting less than 20% of the United States population. It happens when the lower and upper front teeth incline outwards and doesn’t touch when you close your mouth. It can occur in the anterior (front of the mouth) or posterior (back of your mouth).
An open bite may be caused by poor oral habits, genetics, and other dental and behavioral habits, including mouth breathing, thumb sucking, lower lip sucking, tongue thrusting, jaw injuries, and excessive bottle and pacifier use. Braces can effectively, conveniently, and cost-effectively correct an open bite when installed by a skilled and experienced orthodontist.
6. Avoid dental injuries
If you have protruding front teeth, the possibility of experiencing dental trauma rises. While a mouth guard can effectively safeguard your teeth from injuries during sports and other physical activities, unexpected blows to your mouth or sudden falls may cause dental trauma. Tooth misalignment may also cause you to unintentionally bite your cheeks and tongue when speaking or chewing because of improper tooth placement. Braces can help you correct this issue.
7. Prevent bone erosion
Your teeth exert pressure that’s essential for bone growth stimulation. In the event of misalignment, some teeth may exert excess pressure, causing gradual jaw bone erosion. Additionally, misaligned teeth may not put sufficient pressure on the jaw bone, causing inadequate stimulation. With braces, you can ensure proper teeth positioning for optimal pressure exertion by all teeth.
End note
People wear braces for various reasons. Familiarizing yourself with these reasons can help determine if braces are a perfect solution for your dental issues.
Who is the author?
Patricia Lee
Patricia Lee is a digital marketer with several years of experience working with non-profit organizations. She has extensive knowledge in the fields of Education, Computer Science, and Psychology.
When she isn’t helping build brands, she practices Muay Thai and runs marathons.
