Best Affordable Braces - Orthodontic Braces on a Budget

It's a common question. And it's a question only your orthodontist can truly answer. Whether you're considering braces to improve your own appearance or your child's dentist has referred you to an orthodontist, it's important to see a qualified professional for a full consultation and diagnosis.

You might be surprised to learn how many different areas of your health are affected by your teeth. Proper mouth and teeth alignment is important to overall oral and facial health; eating, chewing and digestive processes; speaking; and even breathing, not to mention providing a beautiful smile.

There are three primary reasons people need braces.

1. To correct their bite - In many people, the upper jaw and lower jaw don't develop to the same size resulting in an overbite where the top teeth protrude, or an underbite in which the bottom teeth protrude. Your orthodontist may refer to this as a malocclusion. Regardless, if your bite doesn't match up, you're an exceptional candidate for braces to properly align your bite. Failure to correct these problems can lead to tension in the jaw and even bone damage.

2. To straighten their teeth - straight teeth serve more than an aesthetic purpose. Along with having an incorrect bite, crooked or crowded teeth can interfere with chewing. Teeth that are crooked or misaligned may make it difficult for one to chew and process their food, which can ultimately lead to digestive problems since the food isn't broken down properly in the mouth. Crooked teeth can also be more difficult to brush properly and keep clean which can result in tooth decay and cavities. A misaligned bite can also lead to more chronic problems including jaw pain and headaches.

3. To improve their smile - it has been clinically proven that a beautiful smile leads to higher self-esteem. Some people may not experience any of the problems above but may simply feel self-conscious about their smile. Braces simply give us all another reason to smile.

There are some other indications, in both adults and children that may suggest the need for braces. Some of these include:

* Difficulty or discomfort in chewing or biting
* Mouth breathing
* Crowded or misplaced teeth
* Jaw discomfort or a popping feeling in the jaw
* Speech difficulty or impairment
* Teeth that don't meet properly
* Facial imbalance or asymmetry
* Grinding or clenching of teeth

If you or your child experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist to discuss your concerns. Your orthodontist will examine your mouth and your bite and possibly take x-rays and an impression, which is a cast of your mouth, to determine the appropriate course of treatment.

Dr. Jerrold is a third generation Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. He received his dental degree from NYU in 1975, and completed his orthodontic training there in 1978. He received his JD from Touro Law School in 1988 and his certificate in Bioethics from Columbia in 1997. Dr. Jerrold served as the Program Director for the orthodontic programs at both NYU and St. Barnabas Hospital before coming to JU; and has also served in leadership positions in all facets of organized dentistry. Dr. Jerrold is a nationally recognized expert in the fields of dental risk management and ethics and has published and presented over 300 papers and presentations. He is also the section Editor for Litigation, Legislation and Ethics in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.