How can You Know if You Need Braces

This is a guest post from Author Dr. Watson, Orthodontist in Lehi Utah. If you’re interested in sharing feedback on a dentist or orthodontist in Utah Valley, contact us today.

Perhaps you have considered braces to make your teeth completely straight and for many children and adults this is a very useful procedure that restores self-confidence if the teeth were really crooked. However, there are times when people think they need braces when in fact, they do not. If your teeth are slightly crooked, ask someone that will tell you the truth if your teeth are crooked enough for braces.

In addition, you may be like many people that have a back upper tooth that did not have room to grow in and therefore, you have a gap in your two upper front teeth. Ask yourself if the space is making it hard to eat or if it is also crooked. Often your space in your front teeth gives you character that people become used to and miss when it is gone. For instance, Madonna had a natural gap in her two front teeth that looked fine and something that fans became accustomed to seeing and now it is gone.

Obviously, some common teeth ‘problems’ that are cosmetic in nature can be corrected without the use of braces. For instance, the gap in Madonna teeth was not accomplished with braces, but she may have used a retainer to slowly close gap over time, which is probable since her gap became smaller over a two or thee-year period rather than instantly. There are other options such as veneers that will instantly remove the gap as soon as they are applied. This can also be true for people with crooked teeth but that are not severe enough to warrant braces.

Children that have gaps even with their adult teeth fully in should not have braces since these gaps can and do often go away on their own. If you still feel that braces may be for you and family and friends are neutral, ask someone you know that has them and see what they are like to have to wear daily. This way you can weigh the pros and cons. Finally, the best way to know if you truly need braces is to visit your orthodontist for a consultation.