Adult braces are increasingly common nowadays where the public are more aware of their oral condition and wish to keep their teeth longer.
It is a well known fact that braces can help straightening your teeth, improve alignment, improve facial appearance, improve your oral hygiene cleanliness, improve oral functionalities and overall makes you more confident.
Do I need braces?
Signs that you may need braces includes:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crowding
- Spaces between teeth
- Visibly crooked teeth
- Teeth that don’t close on each other properly
- Abnormal Eruption
- Jaw clicking or making noises
- Difficult in speaking/pronouncing certain sounds due to tongue position under your teeth
Does my child need braces?
Concerned parents would frequently pose this question to our team members. It is often quite a challenge to tell if your child needs braces. However if your child has baby teeth that are crooked or crowded, it can be a sign that they will need braces in the future.
Other signs include:
- Lower teeth closing in front of upper teeth
- Breathing through mouth
- Thumb sucking
- Pacifier past the age of 2 years old
- Teeth that are crooked or crowded
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
Poor nutrition during infant and toddler stage, poor dental hygiene and genetics are all reasons why children and adults may end up needing braces.
When to see a dentist?
For children, The American Academy of Orthodontics recommends that children age 7-8 years old have a dental check up with braces assessment. The rationale for this recommendation is that when a need for braces is identified, early treatment can improve outcomes.
Even children without visible crowding or slanting teeth can benefit from check -in with your dentist.
The best age for getting braces varies from person to person. Most of the time, treatment with braces begins between 9-14 years old, once children starts to get their adult teeth.
Technically, you’re never too old for braces. However that doesn’t mean you should continue putting off treatment.
Whenever you’re ready to pursue treatment for crowded or crooked teeth, you can schedule an appointment.
Remember that as you age, your jaw will continue to grow, which can cause an increased crowding or narrowing of your teeth. If you wait on treating an overbite or crooked teeth, the problem won’t improve or resolve itself.
The sooner you can speak with a professional about getting braces, the better.
What are type of braces treatment? Any Alternatives?
Here at Enlight Dental Care, we offer metal traditional braces, metal self-ligating braces, ceramic braces and invisible braces(aligners) called Invisalign.
Traditional metal braces
Self-ligating metal braces
Ceramic braces
Invisible braces(Aligners) , Invisalign
The only true alternative to braces is orthognathic surgery, where it is a minor surgery that is required to correct chewing and speaking difficulties from severe jaw discrepancies.
Not too sure? Talk to us to get the best advice which is suitable for you!
Call us or Visit us today to schedule a braces consultation!
Bringing you healthy smiles everyday.
