Do you notice your back teeth don’t fit together correctly, even though your front teeth are straight? Does your jaw pop when you chew? You may wonder if you need braces, but an orthodontist consultation could clarify things.
“How do I know if I need braces?” Fergus Orthodontics can give you a complete examination and determine what treatment — if any — you may need. Best of all, our evaluation is free and without obligation.
If you don’t need braces or clear aligners, we’ll let you know! If you do, we’ll explain in detail what you need and why. The goal is to create the perfect smile and better oral health for you or your child!
What Do Braces Do?
What do braces do? Orthodontic treatment can do more than you think. They can straighten your teeth but also reduce jaw popping and pain. They can improve breathing, reduce headaches, and even improve digestion.
These are just some of the reasons to get braces. They straighten teeth and realign the bite so teeth connect how they’re designed. This makes them most efficient at chewing and biting.
Dental issues get worse as you get older, as do symptoms associated with those dental issues. That’s why it’s best to get braces as soon as possible.
Treating a child’s dental problems is easier if they’re caught early. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends having your child evaluated for treatment by age 7. By then, their permanent teeth are mostly in, and the orthodontist can see if there are issues present or forming.
Your orthodontist may recommend two-phase treatment to prepare your child’s mouth for treatment first, then treat your child with braces or Invisalign Teen. We may recommend using braces or Invisalign Teen later if your child’s dental issues don’t require things like spacers, a palate expander, or a tongue crib.
Whatever the case, your orthodontist can determine the best course of action to give your child the healthiest smile possible.
Teeth That Need Braces or Invisalign
What are the signs you need braces? Dental issues can cause jaw pain, headaches, neck aches, TMJ disorder, sleep disorders, and even digestive issues without treatment. These are all great reasons to get braces.
Many adults worry about having a “mouthful of metal.” That’s why Fergus Orthodontics has options that can create the same beautiful smile but with much less visibility.
Our clear braces are a great option. They have the same movement power as traditional braces, but the ceramic brackets better match the color of your teeth, making them harder to see.
In most cases, Invisalign can do the trick as well. These clear aligners are custom-molded to your teeth, making them nearly invisible. You can get the smile you’ve always wanted within months; many people may not even notice you’re wearing them!
Here are a few signs that you might need braces.
- Overbite -The upper teeth sit significantly forward of the lower teeth. It’s natural for the upper teeth to be just in front of the lower teeth, but if there is a large gap, that is an overbite, which can lead to bite issues and, eventually, jaw pain.
- Crossbite – The upper back teeth (upper molars) do not meet the lower teeth and instead sit inside the back teeth, or a single tooth sits behind its lower counterpart. Crossbites can cause jaw pain, excessive tooth wear, and chewing problems.
- Underbite – The lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth in the front. An underbite can cause bite and chew problems, jaw pain, and even breathing issues.
- Gap teeth – A large gap is visible between teeth that should sit flush next to one another. Food can get stuck easily and can cause accelerated tooth decay.
- Crowded teeth – Teeth that do not have room to come in properly and, as a result, come in crooked in front of or behind other teeth. This causes biting and chewing problems, as well as self-esteem issues.
Can I Afford Braces or Invisalign?
A dentist may refer you to an orthodontist, but you can always take it upon yourself to visit the orthodontist if you feel you or your child is having dental issues. If you’re in the Jonesboro, AR, area, you can start by scheduling a virtual or in-office visit with Fergus Orthodontics.
Once you’ve had a thorough examination, we will be able to give you the best options for treatment and explain what each option will cost.
At Fergus Orthodontics, we work hard to make your treatment fit your budget. We offer several financing options, including flexible down payments, zero-interest in-house payment plans, and extended payment plans that can stretch beyond your treatment time.
We also offer several discounts, including family discounts. Each family member of our patient gets a family discount! In addition, we love giving back to those who give to our community. That’s why we offer special plans to members of the clergy, firefighters, police officers, and military members.
We also offer a discount on full payments by cash or credit card and accept insurance and payments from Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). Just talk to us! We will work hard to make your treatment affordable.
Getting Braces in Jonesboro, AR
If you think you or your child are ready for braces or Invisalign, contact Fergus Orthodontics for your no-obligation consultation. We will conduct a thorough examination using 3D digital scanning technology, which develops a far more detailed picture than the scanners of the old days. This also means you don’t have to worry about goopy impressions for plaster casts of your teeth!
From there, we’ll determine your orthodontic issues and how best to fix them. You’ll know everything upfront before you decide on your treatment. We want you to be completely comfortable deciding to get braces or Invisalign!
