Every year, thousands of U.S. teens get fitted for traditional or other options for braces. Although they may not love the look, products such as ceramic braces and clear aligner trays make the process less painful than just a few decades ago. However, once the braces come off, these teens undoubtedly breathe a collective sigh of relief. So, finding out that you need adult dental braces in Houston can prove devastating. The experts at Lovett Dental Pasadena have put together the following information to help you determine whether you need braces again.
What Are Your Options for Dental Braces?
There are three basic options for adult braces, as follows:
- Ceramic braces are less conspicuous than metal ones but can break more easily.
- Metal braces are durable but present an aesthetically unpleasant smile.
- Clear aligner trays are the least noticeable option but also the most expensive one.
Let the experts at Lovett Dental Pasadena help you find the option that works best for you. But how do you know if you need dental braces again?
5 Signs You Need Dental Braces Again
1. Visibly Crowded Teeth
Even if you wore braces as a teenager, your teeth can shift over time. If you have noticeably crooked, crowded teeth, you may want to consider getting adult braces. Crowded teeth make it harder to brush and floss your teeth properly. Eventually, this can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar that causes gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental issues.
2. Too Much Space Between Teeth
Having space between your teeth may not seem like a problem at first. After all, you can get in between your teeth to brush and floss them properly. However, having too much space between individual teeth or your top and bottom teeth can affect your speech and make it harder to chew food.
3. Overlapping Top Teeth
If your top teeth slightly overlap the bottom teeth, that’s totally normal. However, a pronounced overbite can cause hygiene and functional issues. If the top teeth overlap the bottom by too much, you may damage your gums when you talk or chew. Scheduling an exam with an orthodontist can help you determine whether your overbite warrants dental braces.
4. Overlapping Bottom Teeth
If your bottom teeth protrude out past your top teeth, it’s called an underbite. An underbite results from misaligned upper and lower jaws. Adult braces can help shift the teeth in your lower jaw back into the correct position.
Those with a severe underbite may experience facial abnormalities that impact their ability to swallow, speak, and chew. If your underbite causes a quality-of-life issue, make an appointment at Lovett Dental Pasadena to find out your options.
5. Sharp Pain When Biting
If biting and chewing food cause pain and discomfort, you may need dental braces to correct a hard-to-detect misalignment. Often, our patients find that once their teeth are straightened, they can enjoy the food they’ve had to avoid for years.
If you notice any of the five signs above or have any other concerns about your teeth, schedule a dental exam with a general dentist or orthodontist at Lovett Dental Pasadena. Your dental professional at Lovett Dental Pasadena can give you the answers about your options for braces. If you need to get braces again, carefully consider all your braces options.
Straighten Your Smile With Help from Lovett Dental Pasadena
Lovett Dental Pasadena has a staff of experienced dentists who have helped many teens and adults consider their options for braces. Let us help you find the right option that fits your lifestyle and budget. We also have versatile payment options to help you budget for your new smile.
Contact us at 281-998-8800, or contact us online to schedule a complimentary consultation or find out more about our family dentistry services in Houston.
