Top Reasons to See Your Orthodontist for Braces

Orthodontists can use braces to correct tooth and bite misalignments that impact how you want your smile to look. Through these corrections, it is even possible to improve the function of your teeth, making it easier to speak clearly and chew your food. To see if you are a good candidate for braces, you will need to schedule an exam with your trusted orthodontist. During the consultation appointment, they will look for common problems that they can correct with braces, such as:

Crowded Teeth

To treat crowded teeth, orthodontists have to use braces to pull each one into proper alignment gradually. Without fixing these teeth, the lack of spacing can trap plaque and bacteria against the surface of the enamel. As the bacteria releases acidic waste into that small area, rapid tooth decay often begins and damages the enamel. The lack of this protective layer leaves your teeth vulnerable to developing advanced decay and gum disease, which could result in tooth loss.

Gaps in Tooth Spacing

Braces can also help eliminate large gaps in tooth spacing to create your ideal smile and improve the function of your teeth. When positioned near the front of the mouth, these gaps are typically caused by thumb sucking, tongue thrusting and other mechanical processes. As this process occurs, spacing between the molars tends to decrease in kind. With braces, it is possible to bring all the teeth into proper alignment at the same time.

Bite Misalignments

When used with other corrective devices, braces can even correct misalignments at the jaw-level. To treat an underbite, for example, orthodontists use braces equipped with expanders to widen the upper palate gradually. This aligns the upper jaw with the lower jaw by the end of the orthodontic treatment period. With the correction of bite misalignments using braces, orthodontists can help their patients achieve their health and beauty goals.

Schedule Your Orthodontic Exam to See if Braces are Right for You

If you think you could benefit from braces, you should schedule an appointment with an orthodontist right away. They will assess your oral health and help determine if you would be a good candidate for braces. To schedule your visit to our clinic, feel free to call our team any time at 440-349-1129.