We may associate braces with adolescence, but in reality, it’s never too late to ask your dentist about getting your teeth straightened. Crooked teeth not only affect your self-esteem, they can also affect your oral health as you age. During your initial consultation, our dentist can help you determine if you’re a candidate for:
- Clear aligners (ClearCorrect® invisible braces)
- Traditional metal braces
Unsure if orthodontics are right for you? Braces can fix multiple problems with your teeth. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider braces.
1. Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth can make it difficult to brush and floss. Fortunately, our dentist can get you started on the right orthodontic treatment for your smile.
We can straighten your smile over time and even out the spacing between your teeth. When your teeth are less crowded, you’ll be able to floss and brush more effectively, preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Spaces Between Teeth
Closing the gaps in your smile is more than just a cosmetic concern — it will also protect your oral health. Just like crowded teeth can cause problems, so can teeth that are too far apart.
Plaque and tartar love to hide in between teeth, especially if they’re irregularly spaced. If your teeth are spaced apart, food particles can get stuck along your gums. This causes bad breath, gum disease, and other issues.
3. Overbite
Do your bottom teeth sometimes bite into the roof of your mouth or completely disappear with your bite? If so, you may have an or deep bite.
If left untreated, an overbite can damage your gums and front teeth. The front teeth can wear from a significant overbite. Although it’s easier to treat an overbite while the jaw is still growing, we can use braces to fix your bite and improve the appearance of your smile at any age.
4. Crossbite
Do your lower teeth overlap your top front teeth when you smile? If so, you may have a our dentist can correct.
If left untreated, a crossbite can increase your risk of fracturing or wearing teeth and increase your rate of tartar build up. Schedule an appointment with our office as soon as possible if you suspect you may have a crossbite.
5. Open Bite
Is there a noticeable gap between your upper and lower teeth when you bite? If so, you may have an .
Patients with open bites may have difficulty eating. Also, speech can be affected with an open bite. An open bite can be associated with a habit that can be treated to prevent the open bite from worsening.
If you have an open bite, we can correct your smile with braces or other orthodontic services. Call our office today to learn how we can get started treating your open bite.
Get the Orthodontic Care You Need
If you’re interested in straighter teeth, feel free to request an appointment online or by phone at (269) 381-3890 so we can help you get started with braces or ClearCorrect clear aligners. As your general , Dr. Stephanie Busch-Abbate is here to help you regain confidence in your smile. We will assess your dental condition and evaluate your orthodontic needs.