Braces as Part of a Smile Makeover

If you are seeking a smile makeover but have crooked or oddly-spaced teeth, braces could be a smart solution for you. Many adolescents have braces put on to straighten out their bites, but older adults can benefit from them as well.

How do you know if you need braces?

A smart way to determine whether you need braces is to see your dentist at regular appointments. He or she can tell you if you may benefit from braces as a part of your smile makeover. Below are a few indicators that you might need braces.

Crooked Teeth

Crooked or overly-crowded teeth are known as malocclusions. Signs that you may have some malocclusions are teeth that sit diagonally in your mouth, overlapping teeth, and protruding teeth. Protruding teeth that stick out noticeably further than the adjacent ones are also indicative of malocclusions.

Crowding is a common issue that braces can correct. You can check to see if your teeth may be too crowded by flossing. If you have a hard time sliding the floss between your teeth, they may be situated too close together.

You may not think that having teeth that sit tightly next to one another is a big deal, but it can actually impact your overall oral health. If you have a hard time flossing, chances are even dental professionals will find it difficult to clean your teeth sufficiently. Improper cleanings can lead to cavities, tooth decay, irregular enamel wear, and gum disease.

Big gaps between teeth

Crowding is not the only oral health scenario that can cause dental issues. Teeth that are spaced too far apart can also leave room for problems. Gaps between teeth can leave room for food to settle. Without proper at-home oral care and regular cleanings, this could cause gum disease. If you are contemplating a smile makeover and have large spaces between your teeth, braces could be a good part of your plan to rejuvenate your grin.

A misaligned bite

When a person bites down, their teeth should fit together. If there is a considerable space between your upper and lower teeth, you may need braces to correct your bite. Additionally, if your top teeth jut out past your bottom teeth, braces may benefit you. Here are some more specific indicators that your bite could necessitate braces:

• An underbite, which occurs when lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth
• An overbite, which occurs when upper teeth protrude past the lower teeth
• An overjet, which occurs when your teeth do not meet when biting down
• A crossbite, which occurs when upper teeth are positioned inside the lower teeth when biting down

Braces and Routine Dental Care

Choosing braces for a smile makeover has many advantages and can improve the appearance and function of your teeth. However, this type of treatment requires proper dental hygiene, even more so than before. In addition to routine brushing twice a day, there are certain techniques and practices that are necessary to maintain dental health.

First, patients with braces should try to brush their teeth after every meal, not just in the morning and at night. The brackets, bands, and wires can trap food particles against teeth when they would otherwise be rinsed away by saliva. This can cause staining and an increased risk for tooth decay. Ideally, if you have braces, you should keep a toothbrushing kit with you wherever you go.

A regular toothbrush and traditional floss will not always be enough when cleaning your teeth with braces. A proxy brush can help you more effectively clean tooth surfaces behind wires. Bridge flossers can make it easier to thread the floss between the brackets. Many dentists recommend using a water flosser for a more thorough clean along the gum line.

In addition to frequent appointments for adjustments, people with braces should prioritize routine checkups and cleanings with their dentist. This will help ensure the removal of tartar buildup, further reducing the risks of tooth decay and discoloration. These practices combined can also help reduce the chances of developing periodontal issues when wearing braces. While these dental appliances can make it more difficult to clean your teeth, you can still enjoy a healthy smile with good habits and routine care.

Conclusion

If you can relate to any of the scenarios above, you may benefit from braces as a part of your smile makeover. Having straight teeth can make people feel more confident in their smiles in addition to reducing their risk for oral health issues.

Request an appointment here: https://www.oakbrookdentist.com or call Metcalf Dental at (630) 203-9779 for an appointment in our Oak Brook office.

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