What would I look like with braces?

How do you know if you need braces?

Healthline says common signs in adults include visibly crooked or crowded teeth, trouble flossing or brushing around them and frequently biting your tongue, plus teeth that do not close properly at rest, difficulty pronouncing some sounds, jaw clicking and jaw fatigue after chewing. It says that in children crooked or crowded baby teeth can predict future needs, and other signs include mouth breathing, jaw clicking, biting the cheek or tongue, thumb-sucking or pacifier use past age 2 and early or late loss of baby teeth. Only an orthodontist can say whether you need treatment.

When should you see an orthodontist?

Healthline says the American Academy of Orthodontics recommends children see an orthodontist no later than age 7, because early treatment can improve outcomes even without visible crowding, and that treatment most often begins between roughly ages 9 and 14, when permanent teeth start coming in. Adults can still get treatment, and jaw changes with age can worsen crowding, so waiting usually does not fix the problem. You typically do not need a dentist's referral to book an orthodontist appointment. The article is from 2020, so ask your dentist for current advice.

What would I look like with braces?

The sources we read do not show or predict how a person would look. Cleveland Clinic describes the types: metal braces, ceramic or clear braces that blend with teeth, lingual braces behind the teeth and clear aligners, which are removable plastic trays. Healthline mentions ceramic and invisible braces as options besides traditional braces. Ask your orthodontist whether they can show photos of patients with the type you are considering, and whether any digital preview of your result is available.

Do I need braces, or only a retainer or aligners?

That depends on the position of your teeth and bite. An orthodontist reviews the teeth, bite and jaws, and may use photos, scans, X-rays or impressions. Our guides on whether Invisalign fixes an overbite and on how braces compare cover the main options.

Is it normal to have a small gap after braces?

The sources we read do not address this directly. The AAO says that after braces come off you may notice some looseness that usually settles, and that you should call your orthodontist for a very loose or painful tooth, a bite that feels different, a retainer that does not fit or visible shifting. It also says retainers keep teeth from drifting back toward their original positions, so wear it as directed. A small gap that appears after treatment, or a widening one, is worth raising with your orthodontist.

Who is not a typical candidate?

Healthline distinguishes cosmetic motivations from needs related to long-term oral health, and says to speak with a dentist if you have any of the listed symptoms. Gum disease and decay should be treated first, because braces make cleaning harder. Cleveland Clinic says braces take about two years on average, from under one year to three, and that adults may take longer.

What to expect from the first visit

Expect questions about your health and habits, an exam of your teeth and bite and probably photos, scans or X-rays. You can ask about the type of braces, how long they will take, how often visits are, what it will cost and what happens afterwards. See our guides on how long braces take, how to brush with braces and how to take care of braces.

Questions to ask your orthodontist

Bring a list to your consultation.

• Do I need braces, and what problem will they fix?
• Which type would suit me, and how will it look?
• How long will treatment take, and how often are visits?
• What will I need to do daily, and what are the risks?
• What happens after braces, and for how long will I wear a retainer?

Frequently asked questions