Sharonville Dentist: How to Tell if You Need Braces

Do you or a family member need braces? Orthodontic care can have both aesthetic and dental health benefits. Braces can improve both the appearance of your smile and the function of your bite line. Yet, they can also be a substantial investment.

If you’re wondering whether braces are necessary or worth it, here’s what you need to consider if you think you or a loved one might be a candidate.

Mouth Problems that May Require Braces

Take a look at your smile in the mirror. Do you have crowded or crooked teeth? Malocclusions occur if your teeth overlap, protrude, or sit sideways. In such cases, braces can bring your teeth back into alignment and keep them from crowding each other.

Braces also might help if your top and bottom front teeth don’t touch. This kind of open bite can make it challenging to bite or chew foods. It may even cause a slight speech impediment. You probably don’t notice it, but after it’s corrected, you’ll see how pronounced the difference will be.

An overbite, where the top teeth overlap the bottom teeth, can be fairly common and usually isn’t too much of a problem. But in some cases, if you bite down and don’t see much of your lower teeth, the overbite may be enough to cause dental issues. You can consult with a qualified oral healthcare provider in the Sharonville area to see what they recommend.

What Ages are Ideal for Braces?

Braces can be beneficial at any age, although they tend to be most helpful to children aged 10 to 14. That’s because the mouth and teeth are still growing, and during this developmental stage, they’re most receptive to straightening methods. That being said, braces can be done at any age. They’ve become increasingly common among adults for correcting their smiles and alleviating dental discomfort.

What Dental Problems Make Braces Necessary?

Several factors contribute to the need for braces. For instance, some people are simply born with a more petite mouth. This leaves little room for teeth to grow. As permanent teeth come in, it can lead to overcrowding.

Another problem is a misaligned jaw that affects your bite, making it difficult to chew. In some cases, the misalignment leads to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, a condition that causes pain in the muscles of the jaw, making it difficult to chew or speak.

Some people have too many teeth, while others are missing teeth due to injury or other dental problems. When there’s either overcrowding of teeth or gaps in the jawbone, braces are necessary to correct the spacing issues.

Tongue thrusting is another common contributor to dental problems. Some children, and even some adults, may habitually thrust their tongue against the front of their teeth. This behavior, which is sometimes a nervous habit, can lead to problems over time.

Finally, children who suck their thumbs after age three may need braces. Thumb sucking is perfectly normal during infancy and early toddlerhood, but it can cause misalignment problems if it continues.

How Long Would I Need Braces?

Most people wear braces for 18-30 months, depending on their age and the complexity of the dental problem. That’s why we recommend braces during the early teen years, because the mouth is still growing and more adaptive to change. They can still be effective for adults, but the corrective process can take longer.

How Much Will Braces Cost?

The cost of braces can vary depending on the procedure, geographic location, and age, but the price tag typically ranges between $3,000 and $10,000. Your insurance may not cover them, but this depends on your specific plan and the required treatment. Your dental office can help you review your policy and understand how much you’ll have to pay out of pocket.

Orthodontic Services in Cincinnati for the Whole Family

At Beckham Square Family Dental, we assist patients of all ages with tooth misalignment, malocclusions, and other dental issues. If you think you or your child might need braces, contact our office today to schedule a consultation. Whether it’s a corrective solution like braces or a checkup and professional cleaning at our local family practice, our dentists and staff will provide expert and compassionate care for your entire family.