It’s a common question you might be asking yourself, or you might be wondering about as your child enters their teenage years. While not everyone needs braces, a large amount of the general population does need braces, and braces are a very common way of straightening teeth and fixing problems with their alignment.

If you’re wondering about braces and whether or not you might be in need of a trip to the orthodontist, it’s best to start with a trip to your regular dentist. While many dentists like our world-class team at G Dental 32 can help with a variety of dentistry needs like teeth cleanings, fillings, dentures, some oral surgeries, and implants, braces are handled by a particular type of dentist known as an orthodontist. A regular checkup with your dentist is a great place to start the conversation about braces and get some of your questions answered—or get a referral to an orthodontist if you and your dentist decide that now might just be the time to get your teeth straightened out and aligned beautifully.

How to know if you might need braces.

As previously mentioned, the most knowledgeable person that can help you know if you might need braces is your dentist, but there are some signs you might notice independently of your regular dental cleanings and checkups that could indicate a need for braces.

Some of the most common signs that could mean you need braces are:

Visibly crooked or overcrowded teeth. While braces do a lot more for your teeth than make them visually straighter, that doesn’t mean your eyes can’t tell you if you might need braces. When you look in the mirror and examine your smile, look for any areas where your teeth seem to be bunched together or where teeth might be less-than-straight. While this doesn’t always mean that you need braces—no one’s teeth are perfectly straight, and that’s what makes everyone unique—it can be a sign that your teeth are not correctly aligned.

Difficulty flossing or brushing. We know flossing can be a bit tricky, period, but if you’re noticing that certain teeth are so tight nextly placed next to one another that you are having a hard time fitting your floss in between them, that could indicate the need for braces.

Biting or cutting your tongue on your teeth.  Everyone bites their tongue once in a while (and boy, can it hurt!) but if you notice that you are injuring your tongue frequently by catching it on your front teeth and either biting down on it or cutting it against the surface of your teeth, your bite could be misaligned.

Your teeth don’t fit together when at rest. Everyone has a natural way that their teeth fit together when their mouth is closed, and that natural position should include your top and bottom teeth lining up comfortably. If you notice that your teeth rub against each other or overlap uncomfortably when your mouth is at rest, this could be another sign that your teeth are not aligned properly.

Difficulty pronouncing words or sounds. There can be a variety of reasons any given person might struggle to pronounce certain words, and not all of those reasons have to do with your teeth. Teeth do play a role in how we all talk, however, so if you notice that the trouble you’re having pronouncing certain words seems to come from the way your tongue hits your teeth, it could mean there’s a problem with the alignment of your teeth.

Clicking or grinding jaws. Everyone knows that grinding your teeth can wreak havoc on your jaw, but did you know that this can also be a sign that you need braces? If your teeth do not align properly while you sleep or rest, your jaw can become accustomed to the wrong position which can, in turn, cause clicking or grinding when you wake up or chew.

Fatigue on your jawline after chewing. If your teeth are not properly aligned, your jaw and the muscles you use to chew your food essentially have to work harder at their job, which can cause stress and fatigue along your jawline after a meal (or eating a particularly chewy food.)

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss the possibility of braces to correct any misalignment in your teeth. If your dentist, after hearing your concerns, examines your teeth and determines that you may, in fact, need braces, they will likely recommend that you visit an orthodontist for a consultation. Many dentists work with a particular orthodontist or orthodontists who they trust and who have an excellent reputation and track record helping to correct their patients’ smiles.

What to expect when you visit the orthodontist.

If you end up with a referral to an orthodontist and make your appointment, the first time you visit the orthodontist will likely be a general consultation where you discuss your concerns with the orthodontist, the doctor examines your teeth, and you discuss treatment options and costs.

Most consultations will begin with taking your medical and dental history to establish a good starting point for discussion and treatment options. This will usually include information like when your last dentist appointment was where you last had dental x-rays taken, and what dental procedures you have had done in the past. This information will all help the orthodontist know where to start with any potential treatments. Next, the orthodontist will examine your teeth, paying special attention to your bite and any jaw issues you might have. They might even take x-rays in-office or take a mold of your teeth.

After the orthodontist has thoroughly examined your teeth and discussed your concerns, they will discuss if you are a good candidate for braces or other orthodontal work and figure out the best plan to get your teeth aligned and improve your smile.

If you’re wondering if you or a loved one might need braces, the best place to start is to take your concerns to your dentist. Dentists are experts in teeth and help to determine if you might need a consultation with an orthodontist to discuss getting braces. If you’re ready to take the plunge and talk to a dentist, contact us today. We’re more than happy to answer any questions you might have and schedule you an appointment.