When you need braces and don’t get them, you deal with the consequences. The following are signs you should talk to your dentist about to find out what kind of braces would work best for you.
You Can See The Problem
If you see alignment problems, then you need braces. Alignment problems could look different depending on the specific situation. Crooked teeth are one issue. Other alignment issues can make your teeth or some of your teeth look crowded.
Issues With Cleanliness
Another sign that you need braces has to do with the way you clean your teeth. Normally, you should be able to brush or floss your teeth with no issues. When a person needs braces, they may have trouble brushing and flossing. Braces like Invisalign can help correct the issue. You’ll also be able to brush your teeth like normal. Remove the dental aligners to clean, and put the aligners back on when you’re done.
Prone to Cavities
If your alignment issues make it hard to brush or floss, this can lead to a serious issue. After some time, you might develop cavities more often than you should. You may eat well. You may stay away from refined carbs and still deal with cavities. The reason may be associated with your misaligned teeth. While this isn’t always the case, it’s possible, so ask your oral specialist if you’re at an increased risk for this.
Bruised Tongue
A person that needs braces could put their tongue in danger. When your teeth point where they shouldn’t, this could cause you to bite your tongue often. This could happen at any time, like while you’re eating or talking. You know how painful this could be, and you risk an infection every time you make your tongue bleed. Don’t put your tongue at risk when you don’t have to. All you need are the right braces, and the issue can be solved.
Improper Mouth Rest
When your mouth is at rest, your teeth should be aligned. This keeps your tongue safe and allows your jaw to rest since it’s not strained. With misaligned teeth, you won’t be able to do this. Your mouth and teeth won’t close properly. If your teeth have been misaligned for some time, you might not notice this anymore, so just observe your mouth when it’s at rest. You could also talk to your dentist for some help.
Jaw Fatigue
Since your mouth isn’t resting as it should, your jaw is going to experience more pressure. You aren’t chewing like you are supposed to, so your jaw is going to feel it. All of this is going to cause some fatigue or mild discomfort. If you notice that your jaw feels weird or tired after you eat or at different points during your day, you may need braces.
Jaw Noises
Misaligned teeth can be a real problem for your jaw. You already know why some issues happen, but it could cause other problems. In essence, your jaw bones become misaligned as well. This could cause strange noises that you’ll hear in the mornings or throughout the day. Most of the time, you may notice a clicking sound, but not always. You may not be able to decipher what the sound is, but you’ll hear something. If this is the case with you, you need help. Talk to your oral specialist, and describe the sound you hear so that he or she can help you.
Pronunciation Difficulties
The way you pronounce letters and vowels depends on the overall state of your mouth. If you have a serious misalignment, you might have trouble pronouncing certain letters or sounds. This is not helpful if you are trying or plan to learn a new language. It’s also going to be hard for people to understand you sometimes, which could be pretty frustrating for both parties.
Now, you know some of the major signs that you need braces. Of course, if your dentist tells you that you need them, you should listen to that recommendation, too. This professional will let you know your options.
