Do I Need Braces? What to Expect

From improved oral health to an enhanced appearance, braces offer many undeniable benefits.

Braces can correct misaligned teeth and bite problems, making it easier to clean your teeth and reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. They also improve the appearance of your smile by straightening crooked teeth, closing gaps, and correcting other cosmetic issues. Braces can even improve digestion by aligning your teeth and jaws properly.

How do you know if you need braces? In this article, we’ll cover the basics, along with what to expect from your orthodontic visit.

When to Consider Braces

The decision to get braces should be made in consultation with an orthodontist who specializes in correcting misaligned teeth and jaw problems. However, some signs may indicate that braces may be necessary, such as:

• Crowded or crooked teeth: If your teeth are crowded or crooked, this can affect your ability to bite and chew properly and may also make it difficult to keep your teeth clean.
• Overbite or underbite: An overbite or underbite occurs when the upper or lower teeth protrude too far in front of the opposite teeth. This can lead to issues with chewing, speaking, and even breathing.
• Gaps between teeth: If you have large gaps between your teeth, this can affect your bite and make it difficult to chew properly.
• Jaw pain or clicking: If you experience jaw pain or clicking, this may indicate a problem with your bite or jaw alignment that can be corrected with braces.
• Speech problems: If you have difficulty speaking properly due to misaligned teeth or jaws, braces may be necessary to correct the problem.

Generally, it is recommended that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. We typically see patients around the ages of 8 and 9 whose adult teeth are not fully showing. However, the adult teeth are visible on x-rays and from there, the orthodontist can evaluate them.

What Happens at an Orthodontic Visit

At an orthodontic visit, the orthodontist will evaluate your oral health, examine your teeth and jaws, and discuss any concerns you may have about your teeth and bite. The following are some of the steps involved in an orthodontic visit:

• Examination: The orthodontist will examine your teeth, jaws, and bite to determine if any issues require treatment.
• X-rays: X-rays may be taken to get a better view of your teeth and jaws and to help the orthodontist develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Digital Scan: The orthodontist may take scans of your teeth which  will be used to help the orthodontist determine the best course of treatment.
• Treatment plan: Based on the examination and x-rays, the orthodontist will develop a personalized treatment plan that may involve braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances.
• Discussion of treatment options: The orthodontist will discuss the treatment plan with you and explain the pros and cons of each option, so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
• Cost estimate: The orthodontist will provide you with an estimate of the cost of treatment and discuss payment options.
• Follow-up: After your initial orthodontic visit, you will need to schedule regular appointments with your orthodontist to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment.

Overall, an orthodontic visit is an opportunity to get a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health and discuss your options for improving your smile and bite. The orthodontist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and fits your lifestyle.

Orthodontic Treatment in Delmar, NY

Having braces is not just about improving your smile; it’s also about improving your overall dental health! At Embrace Orthodontics, we specialize in orthodontic treatment to align and straighten teeth to improve appearance and form, and function by correcting malocclusions and other imperfections of the teeth and jaws.

Your first visit will begin with a consultation with Dr. Palermo to review the best treatment alternatives for your orthodontic care. Our team will explain the treatment process and will be happy to address any questions you may have regarding your treatment plan. To get started, contact us at 518-439-9339 for a free consultation or to schedule an appointment.