Braces, and other teeth-straightening tools like Invisalign, are a tried and true method for fixing crooked teeth, bite issues, and other orthodontic problems. Although most people are children when they are diagnosed with needing braces, there are plenty of adults who choose to start the teeth-straightening process later in their lives.

Regardless of how old you are, braces can not only give you a beautiful, straight smile, but they can also provide you with numerous other orthodontic benefits. However, crooked teeth aren’t the only indicator you may be able to benefit from braces.

Signs a Child Needs Braces

Recognizing the need for teeth-straightening in children can be a little difficult. If you’ve noticed ay of the following signs in your child, you may want to consider scheduling an appointment with your dentist:

• Regularly breathing through their mouth, as opposed to through their nose
• Clicking or other sounds coming from their jaws
• A tendency to bite their tongue, cheeks, or the roof of their mouths
• Using a pacifier or sucking their thumb past the age of two
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty speaking or saying certain types of words
• Visibly crooked or crowded teeth
• Teeth that don’t come together correctly when the mouth is fully close

Signs an Adult Needs Braces

As an adult, it’s much easier to recognize orthodontic issues than it is with a child. If you’re not sure whether braces or Invisalign are right for you, consider whether you’ve noticed the following:

• Delayed growth of adult teeth
• Teeth that don’t come together correctly or at all
• Major proportion differences when the jaw/teeth are compared to the size of the face
• Visibly crooked or crowded teeth
• Extra teeth
• Difficulty pronouncing certain words/sounds because of tongue position
• Missing teeth that never grew in
• Overbites, underbites, or crossbites
• Difficulty flossing or brushing
• Clicking or popping joints in the jaw
• Stress, fatigue, or pain in your jaw while/after chewing
• A tendency to bite their tongue, cheeks, or the roof of your mouth
• Difficulty chewing

Invisalign is a great way to treat many minor orthodontic problems, but more major concerns may require braces. Regardless, orthodontia is the most effective tool for correcting overcrowding, under crowding, bite issues, and jaw misalignments.

Many patients don’t realize how much their lives can be improved by orthodontia until the process is complete and they can eat, speak, and live without jaw or mouth pain. If you’re ready to start the process of having your teeth straightened, click here to schedule an appointment online or give us a call at 910-256-9040 to speak to the team at Salling & Tate!