Adults with crowded and crooked teeth tend to have self-esteem issues. That is because the shape and alignment of the teeth profoundly affect a person's self-image. Luckily, you can correct your dental issues with orthodontic services. Some issues requiring adult orthodontic intervention are quite apparent, such as teeth collision when chewing and swallowing. However, there are other times when the signs will be a little more covert, and you will need a general dentist to check your condition and help you determine whether you need specialized help or not.

Here are some of the indicators that you might need dental braces to help you align your teeth and jaws.

When You Have Crowded Teeth

Crowding of the teeth mostly occurs due to problems during the tooth development phase. In addition to being a cosmetic issue, overcrowded teeth can also severely affect your dental health and general wellbeing. For instance, it is harder to brush and clean crowded teeth than straight and aligned teeth. You will also have a more challenging time flossing your mouth when you have crowded teeth. These difficulties often lead to tooth decay, periodontal disease, and bad breath.

Dental braces can help to organize your crowded teeth so as to minimize the risk of acquiring other dental complications later on.

When You Have Large Spaces In-Between Your Teeth

Gaps between your teeth can create cosmetic and functional problems in your mouth. The spaces develop because of genetic issues, thumb-sucking, missing teeth, and gum tissue developmental problems. When you have large spaces between your teeth, your teeth and gums get exposed to food particles and other things that might lead to an early onset of tooth decay or cavities and gum disease. A competent orthodontist will install braces on your teeth to help close the gaps. 

When You Keep Having Pain in the Jaws

Persistent jaw pain is another indication that you might need to see an orthodontist. When your lower and upper jaws do not fit well when you sleep, you are likely to wake up with pain in the temporal-mandibular joint. It can also lead to persistent headaches. By installing dental braces, your orthodontist will help you realign your jaws, thus eliminating jaw pain and discomfort.

When you decide to get dental braces, look for a licensed and competent orthodontist. Correcting tooth and jaw misalignment might take time, but you will have a lasting transformation when you do it right.

Contact a local orthodontist to learn more about adult orthodontic treatment.