How to Identify Whether You Need Braces

Most people are fully aware of the fact that braces are used to correct crooked teeth. However often it isn’t as clear cut as that, and if your teeth are slightly out of line, you may not be sure whether or not you need braces.

It goes without saying that the best way to identify whether or not you actually need braces is by visiting your dentist. That being said, there are a few ways to tell whether or not you do for yourself:

• Crowded teeth that are crooked or out of place

Generally this is the most obvious, and if your teeth are crooked or out of place because they are crowded then it is a safe bet things are going to get worse as time goes by. Getting braces in this situation could help prevent the situation from being exacerbated and straighten your teeth out.

• Jaw shifts or makes sounds

If your jaw clicks or makes other sounds, or shifts from side to side – that isn’t normal. It may be due to your teeth and jaw line, and in either case you should see an orthodontist to figure out whether braces can help or if you need some other treatment.

• Accidental biting of cheeks

Do you find that your teeth are scraping against or accidentally biting your cheeks when you close your mouth? That could be a sign that your teeth aren’t in alignment, or that your bite isn’t. In any case braces may be able to help, and an orthodontist will be able to tell you for certain.

• Difficulty chewing food

Often if your teeth and bite is misaligned you will find that you have difficulty chewing food. Sometimes you may not even realize that your teeth are misalign, but difficulty chewing food is a sign that you should get checked out nonetheless.

As you can see all these cases come with the suspicion that your teeth or jaw have alignment issues – but the only way to tell for sure is with the help of an orthodontist. If you’re exhibiting one (or more) of these signs then you should try to book an appointment at Basingstoke orthodontist or some other orthodontist in your area as soon as possible. Be sure to tell them what the issue you’re having is, and let them examine and tell you what can be done about it.