Smiles are like fingerprints—each one is totally unique and help make us who we are. But what if crooked teeth are causing you to smile less? Getting braces can be a big decision, especially as an adult. However, thanks to more inconspicuous braces like Invisalign, many adults are making the decision to undergo orthodontic treatment. Take our quiz to find out if you should make the decision to get braces.
- Do you ever have trouble properly chewing up food?
- Yes (1 point)
- No (2 points)
If you find that it is hard to properly chew your food, it may be because you have crooked, misaligned, or overcrowded teeth. In addition to making the teeth straighter and putting them in the correct position, braces also help bring the jaw into better alignment. When your teeth and jaw are better aligned, it is much easier to bite into and chew up your food.
- Do you notice you have chronic bad breath?
- Yes (1 point)
- No (2 points)
Believe it or not, bad breath can actually be a side effect of crooked teeth. The reason for this is because when teeth are crooked and misaligned, it is easier for bacteria to hide in these hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. When bacteria linger, it causes bad breath. Crooked teeth can be hard to clean thoroughly because some areas are nearly impossible to reach, while it is much easier to adequately remove all the germs in your mouth with straight teeth by brushing and flossing every day.
- Are you missing any teeth?
- Yes (1 point)
- No (2 points)
If you are missing teeth, you are a great candidate for braces. For people missing a tooth, the surrounding teeth will slowly shift into the empty space, and this can cause many dental and orthodontic problems in the future. In many cases, braces can help solve this problem by closing the gap that was created by the missing tooth.
- Do you ever have a sore jaw?
- Yes (1 point)
- No (2 points)
Braces don’t just help straighten out teeth, they also help align the jaw. A misaligned jaw is often the result of an uneven bite, so as braces straighten out your teeth, your bite is corrected and your jaw shifts into its proper position. A jaw that is not in its correct position not only causes discomfort, it can also cause facial asymmetry.
- Do you ever feel insecure about your smile?
- Yes (1 point)
- No (2 points)
If you hesitate to smile or laugh because you feel insecure about crooked teeth, braces are a relatively easy and quick way to give yourself the confidence you’re looking for. Everyone deserves a confident smile, and braces can be the solution to give you the self-esteem you are looking for.
8-10 points: Looking good!
If you scored 8-10 points, chances are your mouth is healthy and you are confident in your smile. Keep up the good work!
Less than 8 points: Braces may be a great option for you!
If you scored less than 8 points, you may consider braces. As you have learned, braces not only give you a beautiful, confident smile, but they can also help improve your overall oral health. There are several types of orthodontic treatments available, and at Cornerstone Family Dentistry we would love to work with you to determine the best option for you. Please make an appointment with us today!