Do I Need Braces?

Signs You Need Braces

Asking yourself “Do I need braces?”, well, you’re in the right place. In this article, we look at 5 signs you need braces, and what to expect when you get them. When determining if you need braces, there are a few key signs to look out for. These signs range from crowded teeth to underbites, overbites, and crossbites. In addition, if your baby teeth came through early or late, this can also signify you’ll need braces in the future.

Approachable, accommodating, and a wee bit cheeky, at Knight Street Dentists, we’re a little different from your traditional dentist. While we incorporate a high level of professionalism, we aim to provide you with a personalised and pleasant family dental experience.

So if you think you might need braces, read on, or check out how we can help with any of your orthodontics needs

5 Signs You Need Braces

1. Early Loss of Baby Teeth

If you lose your teeth much earlier than usual, there is a high chance your adult teeth will be affected. In these cases, there is a chance that permanent teeth won’t grow properly or won’t develop at all. Braces will help ensure that they’re nice and straight if the teeth do come through.

2. Difficulty in Biting

This applies to both adults and children. If you notice that you have difficulty biting your food or if you constantly bite the side of your cheeks or tongue while eating, your teeth may not be aligned properly. On top of this, if your upper teeth extend too far past your lower teeth, you have what we call an overbite. Conversely, if your lower teeth extend past your upper teeth, this is an underbite. Both of these issues can be addressed with braces, as can teeth that are more generally misaligned. 

3. Crooked Teeth

One of the most obvious signs that you need braces is when your teeth are crowded or crooked. Crooked teeth aren’t simply unfortunate due to affecting your physical appearance, but they are also harder to clean, which can lead to things like premature tooth decay. Your teeth shouldn’t make you self-conscious, so if you’re worried about crooked teeth, get them looked at by a professional today. 

4. Too Much Space Between Teeth

Having a large gap between your teeth is a sure sign that you need braces. Gaps between teeth can create dental problems due to poor spacing – this is especially important in children. Excessive gaps between teeth can affect the function of your jaw and bite. The use of braces will help you adjust the space between your teeth.

5. Your Jaw Shifts and Makes Sounds

If your or your child’s jaw shifts in odd ways or makes strange noises, this could signify an issue and that you might need braces. Developmental issues cause these problems in the jawline. If you notice you are experiencing pain in your jaw frequently, you should visit a dentist and enquire whether braces might be a good solution.

How Long Does It Take to Get Braces?

The process of attaching braces to your teeth doesn’t take much time. Typically, it can be done within a few hours, but the lead-up and aftercare take time. Fixing braces requires commitment, regular adjustment, and strict care. It is also crucial to know what you’ll need to do to get braces.

In most cases, the actual process will take two hours; however, some factors influence the amount of time it takes. These include the type of braces you are getting and the issue you are remedying.

During your appointment, the dentist will clean and dry your teeth, bond the bracket of the front teeth with glue, place the archwire in the brackets, and secure it with elastic bands.

How Long Will I Need Braces for?

To ensure that the braces have long enough to do exactly what we want them to do, you will need to wear them for at least 18 to 24 months in most cases. If your issue is especially severe, or if you’re an adult, the treatment may take up to three years. On the other hand, if your case is not severe and you stick to all your appointments, it might not be more than six to twelve months – it depends on the individual case. That being said, taking your braces will be an exciting experience if you have worn them for two or three years! And once you see your new smile, you’ll know it will have all been worth it. 

The removal process of braces takes about an hour. Here are some of the things you can expect during your removal appointment:

  • A plier will be used to your teeth to remove the bracket.
  • The glue will then be scraped off your teeth.
  • The plier will be used to remove the brackets from your teeth.
  • Your teeth will feel strange after removing the bracket, the wire, and the glue – this is totally normal!
  • This procedure shouldn’t be painful, so don’t endure any; speak out to your dentist if it starts to hurt.
  • The dentist will also fit you for a retainer. You may be given a removable or permanent retainer. While this is being done, you may experience some discomfort, but endure it; this step is almost as vital as actually wearing braces!

Why Choose Our Services at Knight Street Dentists

Knight Street Dentists was founded in 1999, with Dr Nihir Shah taking over the practice in 2017. A young dentist at the age of 28, Dr Shah immediately embarked on creating a fresh story for the dental clinic.

Dedicated to transforming the dental experience, Dr Shah has worked diligently to develop an environment that is welcoming, friendly, compassionate, and (dare we say) fun!

He’s taken a 180-degree pivot away from the ‘clinical’ atmosphere that is expected at a dental practice. And instead? Dr Shah and his team have created a charming, anxiety-free ambiance where oral health is celebrated – by staff and patients alike.

So if you’re in the Shepparton area and think you might need braces, take a look at our orthodontics services today

Let’s book you in and get you smiling again

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