All About Braces / How to know if you need braces
How to know if you need braces
You or your child may need braces if you notice crooked teeth, trouble biting or chewing, or jaw pain. Braces can also correct spacing problems and help prevent long-term oral health concerns. Here are the most common signs that braces might be the right next step.
What to look for
7 signs you or your child might need braces
1. Teeth crowding: lack of space in the jaw
Teeth crowding happens when there isn't enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to come in correctly. Teeth can come in at odd angles or end up tucked behind other teeth, which makes them hard to clean. Even the best brushers and flossers face a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease when their teeth are misaligned.
Crowding can come from environmental, inherited, and behavioral causes. One of the most common behavioral reasons is sucking on a thumb or pacifier beyond the infant and early toddler years. The constant pressure can push teeth out of place and crowd the rest of the mouth.
Crowding is one of the most common reasons for orthodontic treatment, and the care plan is well established. If your child has crowded teeth, talk with their dentist about the right time for an orthodontic consultation. For some kids, starting phase one treatment early can shorten their overall treatment time.
Crowding before braces
After orthodontic treatment
2. Open bite: front teeth that don't touch
An open bite shows up as an outward slant of the front teeth, which leaves a gap between the top and bottom teeth when the jaw is closed. Open bites can interfere with chewing and may affect speech.
The most common causes are a misaligned jaw, sucking on a thumb or pacifier, and tongue thrusting (pushing the tongue against the back of the teeth).
When we find an open bite in childhood, orthodontic treatment combined with changing the habit behind it can address both the cause and the effects. A successful early care plan can sometimes prevent the need for corrective surgery later.
Open bite before braces
After orthodontic treatment
3. Deep overbite: lower front teeth bite into the palate
Any time the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth, we call that an overbite. Minor overbites may not need treatment, but some more extreme overbites can get worse or lead to other problems if left untreated.
Common secondary problems include trouble chewing and speaking, jaw pain, gum disease, and tooth decay. That's because a misaligned jaw can wear teeth down more quickly or damage the roof of the mouth.
Deep overbite before braces
After orthodontic treatment
4. Missing lateral incisors: missing teeth due to genetics
Hypodontia is a common condition in which one or more teeth never develop. It refers only to teeth that are missing from birth, not teeth lost through injury or habits. Because it's inherited, a parent with hypodontia is more likely to have a child with it, too.
The most commonly missing teeth are the upper lateral incisors (the teeth between the two front teeth and the canines), which affects about two percent of people. If your child is missing their lateral incisors or any other teeth, our orthodontic team at Families First Pediatric Dental & Orthodontics can offer a number of treatment options.
Missing incisors before braces
After orthodontic treatment
5. Underbite: lower teeth in front of the upper teeth
When the bottom teeth sit in front of the top teeth, we call that an underbite. Like an overbite, mild cases may not need treatment but can lead to bigger problems in the future.
Underbites are estimated to affect 5 to 10 percent of people and can lead to jaw pain, tooth decay, gum disease, and trouble eating and speaking. Orthodontic treatment corrects an underbite by gradually adjusting the position of the teeth and jaw until they fit together comfortably.
Underbite before braces
After orthodontic treatment
6. Spacing of teeth: teeth with large gaps
Diastema, often called "gap teeth," is one of the most common orthodontic issues. It usually shows up as a gap between the front teeth but can appear anywhere in the mouth. Gaps are very common in children and usually don't need treatment unless they're still there after the adult teeth come in.
Gaps that stay are usually caused by a mismatch between the size of the jaw and the size of the teeth. Thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, and gum disease can also cause them. Many gaps are purely cosmetic, and some people like their gap. Larger gaps, or gaps in certain places, can lead to tooth decay or bone loss. If you're not sure whether a gap is a problem, ask your child's orthodontist.
Irregular spacing before braces
After orthodontic treatment
7. Overjet: protruding front teeth
An overjet is often called "buck teeth" and is easy to confuse with an overbite. In an overjet, the upper teeth sit over the bottom teeth, as in an overbite, but they also angle outward from the jaw.
An overjet can be inherited or caused by thumb-sucking, pacifiers, or tongue thrusting. Beyond how it looks, an overjet can cause problems with eating and speaking and usually benefits from orthodontic treatment.
Overjet before braces
After orthodontic treatment
Free consultation
Noticed one of these signs?
A free consultation is the easiest way to know for sure. You’ll get high-resolution imaging, an exam with one of our orthodontists, and a personalized plan that recommends the right type of braces for your child, with no obligation to start treatment.
Questions first? Call or text (801) 254-9700.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What are the signs that I or my child might need braces?
Common signs include crowded or overlapping teeth, trouble chewing, frequently biting the cheek, and a misaligned jaw. An early consultation with an orthodontist gives you a full assessment.
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Finding problems early can lead to more effective, and sometimes shorter, treatment.
Are braces only for cosmetic purposes?
No. Braces improve how your smile looks, and they also improve oral health by correcting bite problems that can lead to discomfort, tooth decay, gum disease, and trouble chewing.
How long does orthodontic treatment usually last?
It depends on each person's needs, but treatment typically takes 18 months to 3 years. Our orthodontists can give you a specific treatment plan and timeline at a free consultation.
What are the alternatives to traditional metal braces?
Alternatives include clear aligners, ceramic braces, and self-ligating braces. Each has its advantages, and an orthodontist can recommend the best choice for your treatment needs and lifestyle. Compare the types of braces.
Will wearing braces be painful?
Some discomfort after braces are first placed and after adjustments is common but manageable, and tenderness usually fades within a couple of days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with soreness. Clear aligners work differently, so if discomfort is a big concern, ask your orthodontist about your options.
How should I care for my teeth while wearing braces?
Keep brushing and flossing regularly, avoid sticky or hard foods, and come to every scheduled orthodontic appointment. These steps help you get the most from your treatment plan and keep your mouth healthy. Read our guide to life with braces.
Can adults get braces, too?
Absolutely. About one in four orthodontic patients is an adult, and many choose braces or clear aligners to improve their smile and oral health.
The braces guide
Keep reading
Types of braces
How metal, ceramic, and self-ligating braces compare with clear aligners.
Life with braces
What the first weeks with braces are like, and how to stay comfortable.
Your child's first orthodontist visit
Why age 7 is a good time for a first orthodontic check.
Book a free orthodontic consultation
Book online at any of our four orthodontic offices. Most consultations take 30 to 60 minutes, with no obligation to start treatment.
Questions first? Call or text (801) 254-9700.