Braces can truly change your life by giving you a perfect smile. This is especially true for those with misaligned teeth, dental issues, or bite problems. However, not every person in Brooklyn needs braces to correct their teeth.
Therefore, when someone asks, ‘Can I get braces even if my teeth are straight?’, Dr. Polina Ingberman from Brace Central in Brooklyn, NY, responds, “There might be some bite issues, but no one should get braces if they have good alignment and good occlusion.”
Consult the top orthodontist at Brace Central to see if you need braces.
Why Don’t Healthy and Straight Teeth Require Braces?
Not Recommended by Orthodontists
Certified orthodontists, like Dr. Polina Ingberman, do not recommend getting braces unless you have bite issues, misalignment, or dental problems.
The American Academy of Orthodontists (AAO), which includes over a thousand practitioners, provides guidance on when to get braces. Having straight teeth is not one of the reasons.
No Major Improvement
Braces are designed to straighten crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth. If your teeth are already straight, getting braces won’t significantly improve your overall dental health.
Minor Discomfort and Limitations
Getting braces is safe and painless in the long run. But the first few days can feel a bit uncomfortable, especially for kids. Additionally, your dental provider may recommend some food and dental care restrictions that could disrupt your normal routine.
When Should a Person Get Braces Even with Straight Teeth?
- Fixing Bite Issues (Malocclusion): When the upper teeth set doesn’t sit on the lower set in a way that’s considered normal, it causes bite problems. It often leads to uneven wear on teeth and jaw pain.
- Aligning Jaw Joints: Misaligned jaws cause pain, headaches, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
- Crowding or Spacing: Although your teeth aren’t crooked, they might sit close together or too far apart. This increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
- Preventing Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Braces offer long-term dental stability which reduces teeth grinding.
How to Know If You Need Braces?
Signs in Adults, Teens, and Children
- Misaligned teeth including crooked, overlapping, and overcrowded ones
- Unusual spaces between teeth
- If your upper teeth set overlaps the lower teeth unusually (Overbite)
- When the lower teeth set protruding significantly over the upper teeth set (Underbite)
- Broader upper teeth set bite inside the lower teeth (Crossbite)
- Front and lower teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed (Openbite)
- Difficulties in brushing and flossing
- Chewing and biting problems while eating
- Tooth decay and gum disease
- Pain, discomfort, or clicking noise in the jaw joint
- Frequent biting of surrounding soft tissues inside the mouth
Signs in Children
- Speech difficulties
- Teeth make unusual noises while eating
- Frequent thumb sucking
- Breathing through the mouth
- Bad breath, snoring, and dry lips
Functional and Aesthetic Benefits of Braces
Functional Benefits
Braces correct issues like misaligned teeth, improper bite, and gum problems, improving dental health. Misalignment can cause enamel damage, gum disease, and jawbone stress, while braces prevent these by aligning teeth properly.
Straight teeth make brushing and flossing easier, reducing the risk of decay and cavities. They also improve chewing, aiding digestion, and can help with speech difficulties caused by crooked teeth.
Aesthetic Benefits
Braces enhance facial balance and create a more aligned smile. Straight teeth boost self-esteem and mental well-being by improving overall appearance.
Get Your Perfect Smile with a Personalized Braces Consultation at Brace Central
Brace Central is located in the heart of Brooklyn, NY. We provide quality dental consultations and services that fit your needs. Our experienced team includes Dr. Ingberman and Dr. Igityan, who expertly handle even the most complex oral issues.
Our caring dental assistants listen to your concerns and provide effective care. Call us today to receive the best dental treatment available in Brooklyn!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can straight teeth have bite issues?
Yes, straight teeth can still have bite issues due to misalignment of the upper and lower jaws. Only a certified orthodontist can determine if braces are needed.
- What is the best age for braces?
The best age to get braces is during early adolescence and the teenage years, usually between 9 to 20 years old. Mature adults can also get braces for serious oral problems.
- How long will braces take to straighten teeth?
In most cases, braces take between 6 months to 3 years to straighten teeth. More complex dental issues may extend the process by up to 6 years.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your physician for any medical concerns or before starting any treatment. Do not ignore professional medical advice due to the information read here. The authors are not responsible for any outcomes from the use of this information.