Each year, over 4 million people in the US get orthodontic care for various reasons. More than a quarter of this population is made up of adults. This is a novel development, given that most people who wore braces in the past were teenagers. So, have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror and wondered, “Do I require braces?” Here are some commons signs you need braces from the best orthodontist in San Antonio, Texas.
Underbite takes place when the lower front teeth are in front of the upper front teeth. This is a result of imbalanced jaw size. The main causes of these bites are genetics, childhood habits, tumors, and mouth injuries. All of this results in wearing your front teeth. Other effects of an underbite include:
Overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth. It’s a case that isn’t noticeable, but it comes with oral and health problems. The main causes of an overbite include; tooth loss and a small lower jaw. Oral habits in childhood such as thumb sucking, lip sucking, and tongue thrusting contribute to an overbite.
Underbite takes place when upper front teeth are left behind the lower front teeth. It takes place when one has a disproportionate jaw size. Genetics is the main cause of underbite. Other external causes include tongue thrusting against the teeth, thumb sucking, and using a pacifier for too long. Underbite complications range from mild to severe. They affect both mental and physical health. This is because they lead to chronic jaw pain. They later accelerate facial aging and cause facial appearance imbalance.
If left untreated, they result in substantial health complications involving severe jaw pain. They also lead to extreme gum recession and tooth wear.
This natural process slowly leaves one’s teeth out of proportion. Some of the key contributors to dental shifting include:
Keeping your mouth and teeth clean and addressing bite problems can help prevent this dental problem.
This is where there isn’t enough space in your mouth to accommodate all the teeth. As you get older, teeth crowding worsens if you leave it untreated. Teeth crowding makes it difficult to maintain healthy gums and teeth.
It becomes a challenge to floss and brush regularly, resulting in gum bleeding and diseases.
Crowded teeth together with jaw misalignment create breathing problems over time, especially in kids.
If children breathe through their mouth more than their nose, it alters the shape of their face. Inappropriate positioning of the teeth blocks air from passing through hence affecting the natural position of the tongue.
Jaw pain is also another sign that you should visit an orthodontist. The temporomandibular joint that connects the skull to the jawbone no longer functions appropriately, leading to your jaw pain. Grinding teeth at night is also another aspect that results in jaw pain. If you develop this problem, seek dental help immediately.
If you think you may need braces, there is a good chance you do. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and we will get you taken care of as soon as possible!
Britton Orthodontics