Five Signs It’s Time to Talk to Your Orthodontist About Braces

Transforming Your Smile with Orthodontic Treatment

Positivity starts with your smile. But it’s hard to feel positive about your grin when you’re worried about crooked teeth, gaps and spaces, or a funky bite. Braces can bring big changes, and correcting a smile is bound to bring an inside-out transformation for children and adults alike. But how do you know when it’s time to start your orthodontic journey?

Simple Signs: How Do You Know You Need Braces?

Living your best smile means taking care of your teeth from top to bottom. Just like tooth pain can be a sign of a new cavity, paying attention to certain parts of your mouth can indicate whether you should make an appointment with your Middletown orthodontist. So, how do you know that you need braces? There are five sure-fire symptoms to watch out for: crooked or crowded teeth, jaw problems, difficulty chewing food, abnormal biting, and issues when brushing and flossing. A confident smile comes from loving the way your mouth moves — so if you and your teeth don’t jive, braces might be right for you.

Let’s take a closer look at these five warning signs.

If You Have Crowded or Crooked Teeth

You’re not the only one; this is one of the most common problems preventing patients from flashing their smiles. Crowded teeth and crooked teeth go hand-in-hand, and they are one of the things that you are most likely to notice as an adult or for your child. Crowding happens when there are too many teeth with too little room. Overlap and tight spaces start to become a big deal, and you might have problems brushing or flossing. The same is true for crooked teeth. The great news is that both crowding and crooked teeth can be fixed with braces – no matter your age.

If Your Jaw is Shifting or Clicking

Jaw problems are no joke. When your jaw shifts while talking or eating (or it has a pesky click), you could be looking at much more problematic jaw issues down the line. Developmental issues with your teeth and jaw can be hard to notice at first, but early orthodontic treatment can put a smile back on your face while fighting off future worries.

If You Have Problems While Eating

Is eating becoming more and more inconvenient because your teeth just aren’t following the rules anymore? Don’t worry, it’s not you – it’s your teeth! Difficulty chewing can be a big hold-up for kids and adults with poorly aligned teeth. Fortunately, braces can put everything back where it belongs.

If You Keep Biting Yourself – Ouch!

Biting your cheek is kind of a pain, sure. But if you find that you are biting your lip, cheek, or tongue all the time, it might be more than bad luck. An underbite or overbite can cause people to accidentally bite parts of their mouth — and the last thing your smile should be is painful. Braces can realign your teeth and cut down on this annoying habit.

If You Have Trouble Brushing or Flossing

Brushing and flossing are a big deal, no matter who you are. Every orthodontist and dentist (and probably parent) will tell you so. If you find yourself struggling to brush or floss like you used to, then we have a problem. Tooth decay, enamel damage, and wear-and-tear will start to take root without proper care. If you want to keep a bright, positive smile on your face all year long (and fight bad breath and cavities along the way), we have the answer. With an office like Pachter Orthodontics, treatment can be an easy and affordable way to transform your smile!