Do You Need Braces or Aligners?

Many people wonder whether they truly need orthodontic treatment or if their concerns are purely cosmetic. The truth is that orthodontic issues often affect both appearance AND function—and understanding the signs can help you make an informed decision.

Not everyone needs braces or aligners. But if you experience any of the issues described on this page, an orthodontic evaluation can determine whether treatment would benefit you.

At Curve Orthodontics in Bangalore, Dr. Garima Gupta (MDS Orthodontics) provides thorough consultations to help you understand your specific situation and whether treatment is recommended.

When Should Children See an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age:

• The first permanent molars have erupted, allowing bite assessment
• Jaw growth is still active, making some problems easier to correct
• Potential issues can be identified before they become severe

Signs Parents Should Watch For:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Teeth that don't meet properly
• Mouth breathing or snoring
• Thumb sucking beyond age 5
• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Teeth that appear crooked as they come in
• Speech difficulties

Early Evaluation Doesn't Always Mean Early Treatment Many children evaluated at age 7 don't need immediate treatment. Often, we simply monitor development and recommend starting treatment at the optimal time—usually between ages 10-14 when most permanent teeth have erupted.

However, some conditions benefit from earlier intervention (Phase 1 treatment), such as:

• Crossbites affecting jaw growth
• Severely protruding front teeth at risk of injury
• Harmful habits affecting tooth position
• Space maintenance after early tooth loss

Is There an Age Limit for Orthodontic Treatment?

There's no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. Adults of any age can straighten their teeth and correct bite problems. We treat patients from age 7 to 70+.

What's Different About Adult Treatment?

• Treatment may take slightly longer since jaws have stopped growing
• Severe skeletal issues may require surgery combined with orthodontics
• More discreet options (clear aligners, ceramic braces) are popular
• Adults are often highly motivated and compliant

Many adults seek treatment because they:

• Never had braces as children
• Had braces but didn't wear retainers, causing relapse
• Developed bite issues or crowding later in life
• Finally feel ready to invest in their smile

What Happens If You Don't Get Treatment?

Orthodontic problems rarely improve on their own. Left untreated, many conditions worsen over time:

Dental Health Issues:

• Increased cavities from difficulty cleaning crooked teeth
• Gum disease from plaque buildup in hard-to-reach areas
• Abnormal wear on tooth enamel from bite misalignment
• Tooth fractures from protruding or misaligned teeth

Functional Problems:

• Difficulty chewing affecting nutrition
• Speech difficulties from significant malocclusion
• TMJ problems causing chronic jaw pain and headaches
• Sleep issues related to jaw position

Progressive Changes:

• Crowding tends to worsen over time
• Bite problems can intensify
• Gum recession may occur from abnormal forces
• Adjacent teeth may shift as problems progress

Quality of Life:

• Self-consciousness about appearance
• Avoiding smiling in social situations
• Professional concerns about appearance
• General dissatisfaction with smile

Not everyone needs treatment—minor cosmetic concerns that don't affect function may not require intervention. But if you have functional issues or conditions that will worsen, earlier treatment is usually simpler and more effective than waiting.