An orthodontist needs to perform a comprehensive diagnosis before determining the necessity of braces and creating a treatment plan. Here are the methods used to determine if you need braces:
- Medical History:
- Gathering information about your previous dental visits and overall health condition.
- Habits:
- Identifying any incorrect habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing.
- Comprehensive Examination:
- Examining the mouth, gums, and jaws to identify any issues.
- X-Rays:
- Taking various types of X-rays to study the structure of the mouth and jaws.
- Plaster Model:
- Creating a plaster model that mimics the shape of the jaws and their relationship for further study.
Issues Indicating You May Need Braces
If you experience any of the following issues, you might need to consult an orthodontist:
- Early Tooth Loss:
- Early loss of teeth might prevent permanent teeth from growing correctly.
- Difficulty Biting:
- Difficulty biting food or biting cheeks or tongue while eating.
- Protruding Upper Jaw:
- Protruding upper front teeth.
- Crooked Teeth:
- Misaligned and crooked teeth.
- Gaps Between Teeth:
- Large gaps between teeth.
- Teeth Grinding:
- Grinding teeth at night or during times of stress.