What Causes People to Need Braces?

As the adage says, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Dental braces would not exist unless people needed them. In an ideal world, every person would have a perfect, radiant smile. However, multiple factors can lead to tooth misalignment, resulting in the need for orthodontic treatment.

In some cases, the need for dental braces can be inherited through genetics. Just as the rest of our body parts look different because of our genetic codes, the shape of our jaws and teeth can differ as a result of our ancestry. If you have family members with braces or tooth misalignment, chances are higher that you will need braces as well.

However, genetics is not the sole factor for why people need braces. Recent studies have suggested that human habits and poor lifestyle choices contribute to jaws shrinking more than genetics. Tooth misalignment can also be a result of bad habits and excessive force applied to your teeth. If you damage your teeth during a sports accident or if you bite your nails excessively, your teeth can shift their positions. Tooth misalignment can also be caused by thumb sucking, grinding your teeth, and brushing your teeth too hard.

For children, it’s important to encourage good eating practices and gentle use of the teeth. Developing good habits at an early age can prevent the need for braces when they get older. However, if you are an adult who needs braces, don’t delay asking your dentist or orthodontist about treatment options. You may think braces are inconvenient and uncomfortable, but orthodontic treatment is necessary for your long-term oral health. Misaligned bites can result in pain, discomfort, and gum disease. Furthermore, orthodontic treatment will give you the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted.

At Remarkable Smiles, you can have access to a variety of orthodontic treatments to suit your dental needs. If you want braces that look great and showcase your smile, ask about Invisalign. If you want an efficient treatment that requires less maintenance, consider getting self-litigating ceramic and metal braces. You can also ask for lingual braces or traditional metal braces depending on your preferences. Contact Remarkable Smiles today to find out which treatment is right for you!