Posted on October 8, 2021
How “bad” do your teeth have to be for braces? This is a question on many people’s minds, and the answer might actually surprise you. According to HowStuffWorks, around 45% of people actually need braces to help treat functional problems with their teeth, while even more may still benefit from braces for aesthetic reasons. A survey also found that only around 35% of adults have properly aligned teeth. To help you understand more about just how bad teeth really need to be for braces, here is what you should know.
When most people think about needing braces, they think about severely misaligned teeth. However, when it comes to your smile, there are a vast array of hidden or more subtle issues you need to keep in mind. For example, if you have difficulty flossing between or brushing around your teeth, braces can help rectify this issue, even if aesthetically you don’t think your smile needs treatment. If you are frequently biting your tongue or hearing your jaw click or pop when you chew, this is also a problem that can be remedied by braces.
Braces aren’t just for correcting misaligned teeth! They are also used to treat malocclusions, which are abnormal bite patterns such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites. If left untreated, these bite patterns can worsen and cause significant problems. For instance, an overbite can cause the top teeth to begin to dig into the lower gums, and it can also increase the risk for gum disease. While you may not think that the alignment of your teeth needs correcting, if your bite pattern isn’t optimal, braces are something that you should absolutely consider.
If you have noticed any of the problems mentioned above, or if you have previously been recommended for braces but hadn’t thought it necessary at the time, you may not want to put it off any longer. While you may not think that your teeth are “bad” enough to warrant braces, the truth is that even seemingly minor issues can grow to be significant if left untreated. Braces can be essential for maintaining good dental health, and they aren’t something to forgo just because you don’t think your problems are bad enough.
Think your smile might benefit from some baller braces game?! We got you, boo! Schedule your FREE Smile Consult at Lineberger Orthodontics today to learn more about how braces or their alternatives can improve your smile and optimize your dental health so that you can rock the confident, awesome smile you deserve!