Why Do You Need To Wear Braces?

By Tarinabo Sounyo

I'm sure you've heard of braces before.

So, what are braces?

Braces are dental appliances that are fixed to the teeth to aid in the correction of dental abnormalities such as crowding, crooked teeth, and misaligned teeth. Braces are used to shift teeth into the proper position and to correct how they bite together, a process called occlusion. The term malocclusion refers to the misalignment of teeth between the upper and lower dental arches, with the first molars serving as a reference point.

Here are some common reasons why you could require braces:

1. Crowding

Crowding is one of the most prevalent reasons for seeking orthodontic treatment. While some individuals may have the optimum bite, they may also have various degrees of crowding or spacing, which is another sign of a misaligned bite. Crowding is a form of malocclusion in which the teeth overlap, rotate, and, in some situations, grow into the wrong place in the mouth, or, in more severe cases, become caught in the bone. Crowding can occur when the dental arch is too narrow for the adult teeth, or when the adult teeth are bigger than usual. Crowding can also be caused by losing primary or baby teeth too soon or keeping them in the mouth for an extended period. These conditions may obstruct the adult tooth, causing it to erupt or develop in the wrong location. Tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss can all be caused by poor oral hygiene. If it appears that there is not enough room in your mouth for all of your teeth, you may have a crowding problem, which causes your teeth to overlap. Fixing crowded teeth may do wonders for the look of your smile. 

Correcting your crowded teeth might also help you avoid cavities. Brushing and flossing might be tough if your teeth are crooked or crowded.  Dental plaques enjoy hiding in places that toothbrush bristles cannot reach. A plaque will be unable to conceal as effectively once your teeth have been straightened.

 

2. Spacing

Are your teeth unevenly spaced, resulting in large gaps in your smile? This might be due to teeth that are proportionately tiny in comparison to the rest of your mouth, or it could be due to missing teeth. Too much space between your teeth might cause dental problems. This is the inverse problem of crowded teeth, and it is readily corrected if you wear braces. 

Closing the large gaps in your grin may appear to be a purely aesthetic concern. It can, however, help you protect your dental health. Food particles can become caught and gather on your gums if your teeth are widely spread apart, resulting in foul breath, cavities, and other dental difficulties.

 

3. Aesthetics

Are you worried that your smile is not as straight as you want it to be? If so, then braces might be the solution for you. Your orthodontist will most likely suggest that you wear braces to improve the appearance of your orofacial region. Aesthetics do play a factor in determining if braces are ideal for you. Patients who are self-conscious about the look of their teeth or face shape may find that their self-esteem improves.

4. Overbite

Do your bottom teeth occasionally bite into the roof of your mouth or vanish entirely when you bite? You might be suffering from a severe overbite. Pronounced overbites, if left untreated, can cause gum tissue damage as well as harm to your front teeth. 

An orthodontist may improve the appearance of your smile by correcting your overbite, regardless of your age. You should be aware, however, that treating overbites in youngsters is easier since their jaws haven't finished developing, making them easier to move through orthodontic treatment.

 

5. Underbite

When you grin, do your lower teeth overlap your upper front teeth? If this is the case, you may have an underbite that may be corrected by an orthodontist. Underbites are especially dangerous when eating or talking since they increase your risk of oral damage.

 

6. Open bite

In front of the mirror, put on a beautiful smile. Is there a visible gap between your upper and lower teeth? If so, you may have an open bite. Patients who have open bites frequently have trouble eating or speaking appropriately. They may also have embarrassing habits, such as tongue thrusting. If you have an open bite, an orthodontist can fix your smile using traditional metal braces, or ceramic braces.

 

7. Misaligned teeth

You bite the sides of your cheeks unintentionally: If this is a recurring issue for you, it might indicate that your teeth are misaligned. Braces can be used to treat an underbite or an overbite. The most typical cause for people to wear braces is that their teeth are crowded or misaligned. 

8. You're compelled to breathe through your mouth rather than your nose

Do you breathe through your mouth frequently?

Misaligned teeth might also make it difficult to breathe.

These troubles will frequently force you to start breathing through your mouth. This can lead to other issues, such as sleep apnea or snoring. It is especially concerning in youngsters since it has been shown to impede their skeletal growth. 

Correcting it is the best way to avoid future problems. Braces correct this by realigning the teeth, allowing the tongue to relax properly. As a result, proper breathing through the nose is enabled. Wearing braces would allow you to breathe through your nose again.

Healthy teeth and gums, better facial structure, and increased self-esteem are just a few of the numerous advantages of using braces to straighten your teeth. So, if you have any of the above-mentioned problems, make an appointment with your orthodontist. An orthodontist would most likely advise you to get braces because they can straighten your teeth and improve the appearance of your smile.

Treatment with braces is one of the most effective methods of improving your oral posture, oral hygiene, and self-esteem. Patients have to wear it for a long period usually between 18-36 months but with adherence to treatment instructions, they can completely overturn long-term problems and produce striking results.

Brace up and smile more confidently.