If you wore dental braces during your teen years, it might come as a shock to realize that you might have to wear them again. Weren’t those days supposed to be over once your orthodontist removed your braces the first time? However, shifts in your teeth might cause issues that make adult braces a real possibility. If you are considering your choices for dental braces in Houston, reach out to Lovett Dental Gulfgate. Our team of dental experts can take care of your orthodontic needs. The first step is to recognize the signs that you may need dental braces again.
5 Signs You Need Dental Braces Again
1. Gaps in Your Teeth
If you’re like many people and failed to wear your retainer as directed once you got your dental braces removed the first time, that may be coming back to haunt you. Wearing retainers helps your teeth hold their new position. Otherwise, they gradually try and move back to their original position.
Even if you followed the dentists’ instructions, your teeth shift and move around as we age. That can lead to gaps appearing over time. Getting adult braces can close the gaps and give you a more personally appealing smile.
2. Dental Disease
Your teeth can feel like rigid, immovable structures because held in place by ligaments and other material. That’s what helps your teeth withstand the force of you chewing and talking. However, that stress can build up over the years and start pushing your teeth out of place, even changing the structure of your bite.
If your teeth continue moving out of position, that can cause your gums to start pulling away from the roots. Bacteria can work their way in and cause dental issues, including periodontitis and tooth decay. Your Lovett Dental Gulfgate dentist may recommend you get dental braces before the situation advances to where you are in danger of losing your teeth.
3. Pain or Discomfort in Your Teeth
Crooked teeth may eventually cause you to start feeling pain in your gums. That discomfort can affect your eating habits and even make it difficult for you to speak. If you’re constantly having pain around your teeth or in your jaw, you may want to consult with an orthodontist and have them evaluate the positioning of your teeth. If they feel that misalignment issues cause your pain, dental braces can bring you long-term relief.
4. Problem Chewing or Talking
If you’ve found yourself stumbling over your words more than usual or have issues pronouncing certain syllables, misaligned teeth may be to blame. Braces move your teeth into a position that causes less interference with your speech patterns and makes it easier to eat your favorite foods.
5. Poor Dental Habits
Grinding your teeth at night can place excessive pressure on your teeth and gums and push your teeth further out of position. While wearing an orthodontic device at night can alleviate some of the pressure, your teeth might still move around to the point where you need dental braces once again.
Adult Braces Options
Once you and your specialty dentist have determined that adult braces are your best option, you should be aware of some available options for braces.
- Metal braces — The brackets used with metal braces today are much smaller and not as noticeable. New wire technology help realign your teeth more quickly and with less pain.
- Ceramic braces — Ceramic braces function similarly to metal braces. However, the brackets can be either clear or tooth-colored to help them blend in with your regular teeth.
- Lingual braces — Lingual braces are metal braces placed on the back of your teeth. While that puts the hardware out of sight, lingual braces can be harder clean and more expensive.
- Clear aligners— Clear aligners are customized to fit your mouth and get replaced every two weeks. They’re suitable for less severe tooth alignment issues.
Restore Your Smile with Adult Braces from Lovett Dental Gulfgate
Bring your smile and mood back in alignment by making an appointment with Lovett Dental Gulfgate. Contact us today at 713-847-8822 to go over the choices available to you for adult braces.
