Braces are a go-to solution for treating misaligned teeth, a common issue affecting many Baltimore residents. Comprising either small metal or ceramic brackets, braces are designed to bring your teeth into their correct position.
The brackets are fixed onto each tooth, connected by a thin wire, and held in place with rubber ties. Over time, dentists in Baltimore will tighten the wire to apply gentle, consistent pressure on the teeth, effectively guiding them into the desired alignment.
The Prevalence of Misaligned Teeth in Baltimore
Several factors can contribute to the need for braces among locals in Baltimore. From family genetics and childhood habits like thumb-sucking to injuries affecting the jaw, these issues are widespread in Baltimore.
Misaligned teeth aren’t just a cosmetic concern; they can lead to functional challenges like difficulty chewing or discomfort when biting. That’s why braces have become a popular treatment option in dental practices across Baltimore, catering to patients seeking both aesthetic improvements and functional corrections.
Ideal Age for Getting Braces in Baltimore
In Baltimore, it’s common for orthodontic consultations to begin when a child is between the ages of 9 and 14. However, you’re never too old to benefit from braces. The treatment period can vary depending on the individual’s age and the complexity of their dental issues.
Children often start seeing results within 1 to 3 years, while adults may need to wear braces for a more extended period due to factors like slower metabolism and tissue regeneration. So, to learn more about what type of braces you or your kids will need, we suggest looking up Baltimore best Orthodontist on any popular search engine to find a reliable orthodontist in your area.
1. Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth
Most people start losing their baby teeth at the age of six. However, some may start losing them earlier, and this condition is known as premature exfoliation. It is believed that people who lose their baby teeth earlier than usual are more prone to have overcrowded teeth or teeth with large gaps in adulthood.
Some children don’t start losing teeth even after seven years of age. Losing baby teeth later than the usual age can also be problematic. In such cases, baby teeth become an obstacle for permanent teeth, and they come out as crooked or misaligned because they break out from the wrong position. Braces can be used to align these wrongly positioned permanent teeth.
2. Crowded Teeth
Our teeth keep shifting with age. In some people, they might move because of a wisdom tooth that hasn’t popped out yet. In others, it might be due to previous dental treatments, like tooth removal. Any treatment or habit can cause the teeth to move from their natural position, and this movement can result in crooked and overcrowded teeth.
It is difficult to brush or floss between the overcrowded or crooked teeth. Therefore, it is difficult to clean and maintain hygiene, which can further lead to problems like early cavities, bleeding gums, and swollen jaw.
3. Large Space or Gap Between Teeth
Diastema is a medical term used to describe a gap between teeth. It is normal to have slight gaps, but unusually large gaps are a sure sign to get braces. These large spaces can affect the function of jaws and can result in a misaligned and painful bite.
Oversized labial frenum, genetics, and habits like thumb sucking can cause this problem. Sometimes, these gaps get fixed naturally by the movement of the teeth. However, these gaps can’t be fixed in adults without external intervention. Any adult with huge gaps between teeth should consult an orthodontist to fix this issue.
4. Bad Bite
Some people face difficulty in chewing food. They may unintentionally bite their tongue or the side of their cheeks. It is a sign of a bad bite that results from misaligned teeth. If left untreated, it can be excruciating and can lead to even more severe problems.
When the upper teeth extend and close over the lower teeth, this condition is known as overbite. Similarly, when the lower teeth extend and close over the upper teeth, this condition is known as an underbite. Both conditions can cause problems in biting and chewing.
A slight bad bite can be fixed with the help of braces or Invisalign. However, some patients may require surgery to fix their bite. In any case, an orthodontist can guide you to make a more informed decision for your dental health.
5. Crooked teeth
Crooked teeth affect the smile and speech of people. Adults can particularly feel conscious while smiling, and it can lower their confidence. Crooked teeth can be an obstacle for the tongue tongue while speaking, resulting in slurred speech. Therefore, crooked teeth can cause functional and psychological problems.
They are a clear sign for adults to get braces and gain a beautiful smile and confidence. Just like crowded teeth, crowded teeth are also challenging to clean. Their nooks can be difficult to clean, and prolonged uncleanliness can lead to problems like cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Therefore, it is wiser to invest in braces to fix them.
6. Painful Jaw
Sometimes, teeth are correctly aligned, but jaws are stiff and painful. It can be due to conditions like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or other developmental issues. A painful jaw can make it difficult to speak, chew, or even open the mouth.
If solely because of misaligned teeth, a painful jaw can be fixed through braces. However, if an underlying condition is the cause, then proper consultation with qualified orthodontists can help you identify the problem.
Conclusion:
Braces are an effective treatment option used for the alignment of teeth. They help push the teeth toward a desired position. While many teens get braces across the world, it is not uncommon for adults to have them, too.
Various problems, like huge gaps between teeth, painful bites, misaligned teeth, and a painful jaw, can prompt adults to get braces. Some signs may not be as obvious, but they may be causing functional problems in the patient’s daily life.
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand some of the obvious signs you might need braces as an adult.
