Are smile-straightening treatments right for you?

October is National Orthodontic Health Month and a great opportunity to sink your teeth into the subject of orthodontics.

In addition to beautifying your smile, orthodontic treatments can improve chewing and speech function. They can also help protect teeth from damage and decay.

Signs orthodontics are needed
If you or your child has one or more of the following dental issues, orthodontics may be needed.

• Crooked, impacted or protruding teeth
• Too much space between teeth
• An overbite, underbite or crossbite
• A misaligned or shifting jaw
• Clicking in the jaw joints
• Continuous grinding or clenching of teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Inability to comfortably close lips

Common orthodontic treatments
Here are the most common orthodontic devices health professionals use to fix dental alignment issues.

• Metal braces
Traditional braces can fix most major misalignments and spacing issues. They can also help rectify overbites and underbites.

• Invisible aligners
An increasingly popular alternative to metal braces, these aligners can remedy some — but not all — alignment issues. They have the major perk of being mostly invisible.

• Lingual braces
Lingual braces work the same way as traditional metal braces, except they’re placed on the inside of the teeth rather than the outside. Like invisible aligners, they’re very discreet.

• Retainers
Retainers are used to help keep teeth in their new position once braces or aligners have been removed. They tend to be removeable devices worn on the roof of the mouth.

If you’re unsure whether you or your child requires orthodontic work, consult a dentist. They can assess whether treatment is needed.