Signs That You Need Braces

Braces are used to straighten teeth that aren’t in alignment. If you need braces, the process is time-consuming, but they have a high success rate, and they leave you with oral benefits and a brighter smile. Dental braces are often prescribed during early adolescence or childhood. However, adults get braces more frequently. If you know a family member or benefit from dental braces, getting them sooner than later is better. This article contains information about braces that will help you decide your next step.

When to Wear Braces

The signs vary according to age and their overall dental health for an adult. However, braces in adults are becoming more common, and outcomes from adult braces are mostly positive.

Some symptoms that indicate you need to get braces from Anchorage Dental Arts include:

• Having difficulty in flossing between and brushing around crooked teeth
• You have teeth that are overcrowded or crooked
• You find yourself biting your tongue frequently and cutting your tongue on your teeth
• Fatigue and stress on your jawline after chewing food
• Having jaws that make noise and click when you first wake up or chew
• When you have teeth that don’t close over each other properly when your mouth is at rest
• You have difficulty in pronouncing certain sounds due to your tongue being under your teeth

How to Tell If Your Child Needs Braces

It is difficult to tell if your child needs braces. If your child has baby teeth that are crowded or crooked, that can signify that they need braces in the future. You should take them to a dental office near you if you notice some of these signs:

• Your baby has lost their teeth earlier or late than it is supposed to be
• They have crowded or crooked teeth
• When your child breathes through the mouth
• You kid is prone to biting the roof of the mouth, the tongue, or inside of the cheek accidentally
• When your child still uses a pacifier past the age of two or thumb-sucking
• Have jaws that click or make other sounds

In addition, poor dental hygiene and genetics also might be the reason why you or your child may need braces in the future.

When to See A Doctor

It is recommended that all children start their orthodontic dental care no later than seven years. When braces are identified early, the treatment outcome can be improved. Even when your child’s teeth are not showing visible crowding, it can be best if you check in with an orthodontist. 

The best age of getting braces varies. Mostly, braces treatment begins at the ages of 9 and 14 when children start growing their permanent teeth. However, an adult is never too old for braces, but it doesn’t mean you should be putting the treatment.

Whenever you are ready to take treatment for crowded or crooked teeth, you can schedule an appointment with our Anchorage dentist. We offer high-quality treatment that leaves you with a smile on your face.

Remember, as you get old, your jaw continues to grow, which can cause narrowing and crowding of your teeth. If you wait on treating crooked teeth or overbite, the problem won’t resolve itself or improve. So, the sooner you can get treatment for braces, the better.

What Not to Eat with Braces

There are foods you should avoid eating immediately after getting braces since they can irritate your mouth, causing sensitivity and pressure. These foods include:

• Spicy foods
• Ice cream
• Citrus foods
• Thick rolls and bread

You’ll be able to eat these foods after your teeth are used to having braces. Also, there are certain foods you should avoid as long as you have braces. They include hard and sticky foods that can damage the bands or wires or cause the bracket to separate from a tooth. These foods are such as:

• Crunchy vegetables and fruits
• Hard candy
• Chewing gum
• Nuts
• Popcorn
• Bagels and other hard rolls 

Also, you should limit the intake of sugary drinks and foods when you have braces. When sugar mixes with saliva, it creates plaque that coats your teeth. When you have braces, it can be difficult to remove plaque, increasing the risk of tooth decay. So, you should limit yourself to taking a few sugary beverages and foods a week.

In addition, you can get Invisalign in Anchorage, AK, as an alternative to dental braces for both you and your kid.