When you think of braces, you probably think of kids. But the fact is, a lot of adults need braces too. In fact, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in five orthodontic patients is an adult. So, what are some reasons people need braces?

1. Crooked Teeth and Crowded Teeth

This is the reason most people think of when they think of braces: straightening and spacing out your teeth. When your teeth are crooked or too close together, it can cause painful dental problems. Braces can help correct those problems.

2. Overbite and Underbite

An overbite occurs when your upper teeth bite down too far forward on the lower teeth, creating an unnatural gap between the top and bottom sets of teeth. An underbite is the opposite — it occurs when your lower teeth are more prominent or stick out further than your upper teeth. Both overbites and underbites can cause jaw problems, but braces can help.

3. Gaps and Spaces Between Teeth

Sometimes called “diastemas,” spaces or gaps between teeth can be inherited. The gap is often larger than normal and can be problematic. Gaps may cause your teeth to become misaligned. If the gaps are wide enough, food particles can become trapped in between teeth and lead to tooth decay or gum disease. Orthodontic treatment, which includes braces, can help close the gap.

4. Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when your upper teeth bite onto the inside of your lower teeth. This can put abnormal pressure on certain front teeth, causing them to wear down over time. A cross-bite also throws off the alignment of your jaw, which can cause pain in your joints and muscles. Braces and other orthodontic treatments are often needed to correct a crossbite.

5. Bad Bite

Sometimes called a malocclusion, the term “bad bite” refers to any number of problems that can occur when your teeth don’t line up correctly. An underbite or overbite are considered types of bad bites. So is an open bite, where the top and bottom front teeth don’t touch when your jaws are closed. These problems can cause pain and even lead to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. According to Mouthhealthy.org, if you have an abnormal bite, it is likely to become noticeable between 6 and 12. As such orthodontic treatment should ideally start at the age of 8 to 14.

There are all sorts of reasons for needing braces. You may be genetically predisposed to crooked or crowded teeth. Or you could just have a bad bite! Whatever the cause, braces can help improve your oral health and straighten your smile. Call Dr. Bret Ortho today to schedule your consultation!