The average number of adults in the United States who get braces has grown significantly over the past decade, and maybe you’re thinking about joining the ranks. But how do you know you need orthodontic treatment? Have you been unhappy with your smile for a long time? Do you have difficulty chewing your food properly or find that you’re snoring more at night? 

These may be signs that you need orthodontic treatment, and today we’ll dive into some of the most common reasons that you would benefit from the attention of a highly-qualified, professional TAO member orthodontist. 

1. Crooked, crowded teeth

This is what most people imagine when they think of why a person might need orthodontic treatment. It’s true that straight teeth are one of the primary goals of treatment, but not for the reason you might think. 

Straight teeth look great, but the primary concern for orthodontists is having well-aligned and evenly-spaced teeth for a functional bite and teeth that are easier to care for. Proper alignment reduces your risk of cavities because it makes flossing and brushing easier and more effective. When teeth are crowded, it is difficult to remove the bacteria and food particles that get into the tight spaces and you’re at risk for plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Many people don’t know that adults with gum disease are two to three times more likely to suffer from a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event¹. This is a great example of how orthodontic treatment is about so much more than a beautiful smile. Great oral health is key for great overall health, and for some people orthodontic treatment is a critical part of their care.

2. Poorly aligned bite (crossbite, overbite, or underbite)

The technical term for a “bad bite” in orthodontics is malocclusion. Your “bite” refers to the mechanics of how your upper and lower jaws work together and where your teeth meet when you bite down or chew. A bad bite is when your jaws are out of alignment and are not functioning as they should.

There are different types of malocclusion. Crossbite is when one or more of your upper teeth cross behind your lower teeth. If you have a crossbite, your teeth don’t meet properly on the sides.

An underbite is when bottom teeth overlap your top teeth in the front. This is quite a noticeable problem and can cause problems with low self-esteem, in addition to difficulty with speech and chewing.

An overbite is when your upper teeth overlap your bottom teeth more than they should. Some overlap is normal, but if the gap is too big, it can cause some of the same problems as the other types of malocclusions such as uneven wear on your enamel, speech impediments, gum disease, jaw pain, or difficulty chewing.

3. Gaps between your teeth

While gaps between the teeth are fairly normal and don’t always cause problems, as you age those untreated gaps in your teeth can cause your teeth to shift. This can lead to issues with the functionality of your bite. 

Some people choose to correct gaps before shifting has occurred because they feel self-conscious about their smile and/or they want to prevent problems later in life.

4. Pain with chewing

If you’re experiencing any pain when you eat, such as a popping, clicking, or uncomfortable feeling in your jaw, you may need orthodontic treatment. Sometimes these issues are due to holding stress and tension in your jaw muscles, but they can also be caused by malocclusion. 

We often underestimate the importance of thoroughly chewing our food. Some people who undergo orthodontic treatment actually experience improvements in their gastrointestinal symptoms that were due to inadequately chewed food.

Breaking our food down with our teeth and the saliva in our mouths is the first step in the digestive process, and if you’re not able to chew properly because of poorly aligned teeth and jaw, you could experience bloating, gas, burping, stomach pain, etc. 

If you’re experiencing digestive problems as well as problems or pain with chewing, you could benefit from orthodontic treatment.

5. Snoring and airway issues

People snore for many reasons, but did you know that orthodontics can sometimes help treat the root causes? A narrow palatal arch or a poorly aligned bite can contribute to snoring and issues like sleep apnea, which affect millions of adults in the United States.

Clear aligner treatment or conventional braces is often enough to create more room in the patient’s airway. For more severe cases of sleep apnea and disordered breathing, expanding the upper palate with orthodontics can widen a narrow airway, creating space for better airflow and encouraging proper tongue placement and nighttime mouth positioning.

Don’t wait, contact a TAO member orthodontist near you

If you’re experiencing any of the above and want compassionate, expert care, look no further than our searchable member directory. There you’ll find over 1000 highly-qualified professionals ready to help you get a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.

Sources

1. Harvard Medical School. Gum Disease and Heart Disease: The Common Thread