6 Signs Orthodontic Treatment Is Right for You
Choosing to undergo orthodontic treatment is an important decision that can result in lifelong benefits. If you are considering traditional braces or Invisalign®, it is important to understand the treatment process as well as your candidacy.
How can you know if the time and money spent on straightening your teeth will be worth it? Today, our team at Premier Dental & Implant Center in Orland Park, IL, explores six signs that indicate orthodontics are right for you, and how our dentists and orthodontists can help you achieve optimal oral health, function, and appearance with braces and Invisalign clear aligners.
1. You Are Unhappy With the Appearance of Your Smile
One of the most common reasons individuals seek orthodontic treatment is to enhance the appearance of their smiles. If you have crooked, gapped, overlapped, or rotated teeth, it can detract from a beautiful smile.
Braces can certainly address these issues in addition to improving the overall function and health of your teeth and gums.
2. You Have Difficulty Biting into Food
If you consistently have difficulty biting into food, it is likely due to malocclusion. When the teeth do not fit or meet together as they should, it can compromise your overall oral health. In addition, if you constantly bite the insides of your cheeks, it can also mean the teeth are not aligned properly. If this describes you, braces could be beneficial.
3. You Lost Your Baby Teeth Early
Sometimes, patients lose their primary teeth prematurely. As a result, the permanent adult teeth are affected.
For example, when they grow in, the adult teeth may erupt in less-than-ideal positions, which can have a detrimental effect on growth and development.
If you lost your baby teeth much earlier than your adult teeth grew in, chances are you need orthodontic treatment.
4. You Have Crooked or Overlapping Teeth
Crooked and overlapped teeth can have a negative impact on your physical appearance. More importantly, however, this type of misalignment can make it difficult to brush and floss your teeth effectively.
Straighter teeth are much easier to clean. As a result, patients who undergo orthodontic treatment have a reduced risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
5. You Have Gaps Between the Teeth
Gaps or spaces can be caused by a number of conditions, including tooth loss, periodontal disease, shifting, and more. If you have gaps in your smile, it can impair normal chewing function. If this is the case, your oral health can be improved with orthodontics.
6. Your Jaws Click Frequently
The teeth, jaw joints, oral soft tissues, and surrounding anatomies all work together harmoniously for optimal oral health. When one of these elements is out of alignment, it can result in a domino effect of problems.
For example, if the teeth are misaligned, it can actually cause the jaws to become unbalanced. As a result, your jaw muscles work overtime trying to compensate for the issue.
This can lead to TMJ disorder and other jaw problems. In many cases, metal braces or clear aligners like Invisalign can address these issues.
What Are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment?
If you have minor orthodontic concerns, you may wonder if orthodontic treatment is worth it. There are many benefits to undergoing treatment with braces or Invisalign:
- Better Oral Hygiene - Crooked or misaligned teeth can be difficult to properly brush, putting you at risk for developing issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. By aligning your teeth, you can ensure you are properly brushing and flossing.
- Reduced Pain - A misaligned bite can lead to pain in the temporomandibular joint or TMJs. This can make cause jaw pain and teeth grinding, and it can even be the cause of headaches. Orthodontic treatment like braces or Invisalign can reduce the strain on your jaw and relieve or prevent this pain.
- Straighter Smile - Some patients report feeling self-conscious about crooked, gapped, or otherwise misaligned teeth. Orthodontics can give you the beautifully straightened smile you have been dreaming of.
Which Orthodontic Option Should I Choose?
Once patients decide to proceed with orthodontic treatment, they often ask our dentists and orthodontists which method is best. Both orthodontic methods are trusted and proven treatment options, and it ultimately comes down to the patient and their unique dental concerns.
When Invisalign May Be Better
Invisalign is a great method of orthodontic treatment for mild to moderate issues. If you have more severe issues, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend traditional braces.
When Braces May Be Better
Invisalign requires that you are responsible enough to maintain the aligners, not lose them, and can commit to wearing them for 22 hours a day. If you do not think you can keep up with the clear aligners or cannot commit to wearing them properly, metal braces may be a better option.
Ceramic Braces Are Available as Well
For those who require traditional braces but want a more discreet option, our Orland Park dental practice also offers ceramic braces. Ceramic braces work exactly like metal braces. However, instead of metal brackets, this orthodontic treatment uses ceramic brackets and tooth-colored wires.
Ceramic braces offer the same benefits as traditional metal braces but are less noticeable.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
This will depend on several factors such as the type of treatment and the severity of the issue. On average, orthodontic treatment takes about 12 to 24 months. If you fail to follow treatment guidelines, such as wearing your clear aligners for the prescribed hours, or have extensive issues, your treatment may take longer.
Once your treatment plan is crafted, your dentist or orthodontist can provide a better timeline.
Contact Premier Dental & Implant Center
There are plenty of reasons why patients may wish to consider orthodontics. To find out if you qualify for braces or Invisalign, schedule a consultation at our practice. Our dentists and orthodontists are experienced in a variety of dental and orthodontic treatments to best serve you. We also offer virtual consultations to help you explore your options and get a quote to help you make an informed decision about your orthodontic treatment. Contact us online anytime.
About Yamen Akhras, DDS
Dr. Yamen Akhras completed training in dental implants from the Misch Institute and the Urban Regeneration Institute. He specializes in treating gum disease, placing implants, and bone and gum grafting.
Read Dr. Akhras's Full Bio | All Posts by Dr. Akhras
