Do I Need Braces- How to Tell if Your Teeth Need Braces

Ever Wonder How Some People Have Such Perfect Smiles?

That confident, picture-perfect smile you admire often starts with braces. Modern braces — made from sleek metal, ceramic, or clear plastic — do much more than straighten teeth. They gently align your bite, improve function, and make your teeth easier to clean. Most importantly, they give you the confidence to smile without hesitation.

If you’ve noticed crooked or crowded teeth, jaw clicking, or gaps between your teeth, it might be time to visit your dentist. These are common signs that your teeth could benefit from professional alignment — and at Smiles of Aurora, our expert team makes the process comfortable, effective, and completely customized for you.

As the saying goes, a straight smile is a healthy smile. Keep reading to discover how braces can help you achieve a balanced, radiant smile — and why thousands of patients trust Smiles of Aurora to make it happen.

What Braces Really Do for Your Smile?

Braces don’t just straighten teeth — they completely transform how your smile looks, feels, and functions. By gradually guiding your teeth into proper alignment, braces improve your bite, help you chew more efficiently, and make daily care easier.

Properly aligned teeth also reduce stress on your jaw joints and prevent uneven wear over time. Plus, straight teeth are much easier to clean, lowering your risk of plaque buildup, decay, and gum problems.

The process is simple yet powerful. Braces apply gentle, consistent pressure that gradually shifts your teeth into the ideal position based on your dentist’s precise treatment plan. They can correct a wide range of issues, including crowding, gaps, and bite problems like overbites or underbites.

But the benefits go far beyond dental health. A straighter smile naturally boosts your confidence and changes the way you carry yourself. Many of our patients at Smiles of Aurora say they feel more comfortable, social, and self-assured once they see their new smile take shape — and that confidence shines through in every interaction.

How to Know If You Need Braces

You don’t have to compare your smile to celebrities to know if braces could help — the signs are often easier to spot than you think. Crooked or crowded teeth, difficulty chewing, or even frequently biting your cheek or tongue are all indicators that your teeth may need realignment.

According to research, only about 35% of adults have naturally straight lower front teeth. For around 15%, misalignment is significant enough to impact both confidence and function, often requiring orthodontic care such as clear aligner therapy. Another 20% have bite issues that can cause uneven wear or jaw discomfort — both of which braces can effectively correct.

These signs mean your teeth may not be functioning as efficiently as they could — and that’s where we can help. At Smiles of Aurora, we don’t just straighten teeth; we restore balance, comfort, and confidence. Here’s what to look for if you think braces might be right for you.

Crowded Teeth (Malocclusions)

Crowded or overlapping teeth are one of the clearest signs that you may benefit from braces. When teeth sit too close together, it becomes difficult to clean between them — which can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease over time.

A simple test? Try flossing. If it’s tough to slide the floss between your teeth, they may be overcrowded. Braces gently move your teeth into proper alignment, creating even spacing that not only improves your oral health but also gives you a smoother, more confident smile.

At Smiles of Aurora, we specialize in creating smiles that are as functional as they are beautiful — helping you achieve lasting comfort and confidence with every bite.

Gaps Between Teeth

Crowding isn’t the only reason you might need braces — gaps can be just as troublesome. If your teeth are spaced too far apart, whether from missing teeth or smaller-than-average ones, braces or aligners can gently bring them closer together for a balanced, natural look.

Gaps can also make it harder to bite and chew comfortably. The wider the spacing, the more strain it puts on your jaw and surrounding teeth. By closing these gaps, braces not only improve your smile’s appearance but also restore proper alignment — making eating, speaking, and smiling feel effortless again.

At Smiles of Aurora, our customized treatments are designed to close gaps seamlessly and create a confident, even smile you’ll love to show off.

Bite Alignment Problems

When you bite down, your upper and lower teeth should fit together evenly. If they don’t — for example, if you notice extra space between them or they don’t touch properly — it may be a sign of bite misalignment.

An uneven bite can cause more than just cosmetic issues. Over time, it can lead to difficulty chewing, jaw tension, or uneven wear on your teeth. These small problems can grow into larger ones if left untreated.

At Smiles of Aurora, we use precise digital X-rays and bite analysis to identify alignment issues early. Our expert team then creates a personalized plan — with braces or clear aligners — to restore balance, comfort, and a beautifully aligned smile.

Jaws Clicking or Popping

Do your jaws click, pop, or make noises when you chew or wake up in the morning? That could be a sign your jaw joints aren’t functioning smoothly — often due to misaligned teeth. When your bite is off, it places extra strain on your jaw muscles and joints, leading to discomfort and that telltale clicking sound.

Braces can help by gently realigning your teeth and improving how your bite fits together. At Smiles of Aurora, our clear aligners therapy is designed not only to enhance your smile but also to restore healthy jaw movement — reducing or eliminating those sounds and bringing balance back to your bite.

Jaw Tension or Fatigue

If you often feel tightness, soreness, or fatigue in your jaw after chewing, it may be a sign that your teeth aren’t coming together properly. When your bite is misaligned, your jaw muscles must work harder, creating unnecessary tension and strain.

Braces can correct how your teeth fit together, allowing your jaw to move naturally and comfortably. This alignment not only relieves stress and fatigue but also makes eating easier and helps prevent long-term jaw issues.

At Smiles of Aurora, our orthodontic solutions are designed to restore comfort, balance, and function — so you can enjoy meals and conversation without discomfort.

How to Tell if Your Child May Need Braces

Children’s teeth are still developing so it can be difficult to know when braces might be needed. As a general rule, parents should schedule an orthodontic evaluation around age seven. At this stage, an dentist who is trained in orthodontics can identify early signs of crowding, spacing, or bite issues before they become more complex.

You may also notice certain warning signs at home, especially if your child has crooked or crowded baby teeth. Common indicators include:

Clicking or popping noises from the jaw
Accidentally biting the tongue, cheeks, or roof of the mouth
Thumb-sucking or pacifier use beyond age 2
Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
Teeth that don’t meet properly when the mouth is closed
Visibly crooked or crowded teeth

At Smiles of Aurora, our gentle approach helps children feel relaxed while we take digital scans and impressions to assess tooth and jaw development. By identifying issues early, we can guide proper growth and alignment — helping your child enjoy a confident, healthy smile for years to come.

Metal Braces vs. Clear Aligners — Which Is Right for You?

When it comes to straightening teeth, two of the most popular options are traditional metal braces and clear aligners. Both are effective, but the right choice depends on your unique smile goals.

Metal braces use small brackets and wires to gently move your teeth into position over time. They’re highly effective for more complex cases, providing precise control and lasting results.

Clear aligners, on the other hand, are nearly invisible removable trays that fit comfortably over your teeth. They’re discreet, easy to take out for meals, and simple to clean — making them a favorite for adults and teens with mild to moderate alignment concerns.
At Smiles of Aurora, we’ll help you decide which treatment best fits your lifestyle, budget, and goals. Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand the key differences:

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Feature	Metallic Braces	Invisible Aligners
Visibility	Visible due to metal brackets and wires	Clear and almost invisible
Effectiveness	Effective for all alignment issues	Effective for mild to moderate alignment issues
Removability	Not removable, fixed on teeth	Removable for eating and cleaning
Comfort	Typically cause discomfort and gum irritation	Generally more comfortable
Treatment Time	Treatment lengths are typically longer	Treatment lengths vary but are often shorter
Maintenance	Requires more time-consuming cleaning around brackets	Easier cleaning of teeth with removable trays
Adjustments	Requires periodic adjustments by orthodontist	No adjustments needed, trays are replaced

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When’s the Right Time to Get Braces or Clear Aligners?

There’s no wrong time to achieve a confident, healthy smile. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. An early visit helps detect potential alignment issues while the jaw is still developing — allowing for easier, more effective treatment later on.

For adults, braces and clear aligners are just as effective. Since your jaw has finished growing, the focus shifts from guiding bone development to precisely aligning your existing teeth for optimal function and aesthetics.

It’s also never too late to start. At Smiles of Aurora, we treat patients of all ages — from teens to adults — using advanced digital imaging and customized clear aligner therapy designed to fit your lifestyle.

Children who appear to have straight teeth should still be monitored regularly, as subtle changes can occur with growth. And of course, babies with baby teeth shouldn’t receive orthodontic treatment until their permanent teeth begin to come in — typically between ages 9 and 14, when braces or aligners can make the greatest impact.

Whether you’re 9 or 59, your best smile starts with a simple consultation. Our friendly team at Smiles of Aurora will guide you every step of the way with care, expertise, and affordable options that make treatment easy to begin.

Your Journey to a Straighter Smile: Braces and Clear Aligners

Getting braces is a simple, step-by-step process designed to keep you comfortable and confident from start to finish.

At your first appointment, your dentist will place small bands around your back molars to anchor the braces securely. Then, brackets are carefully bonded to each tooth using a special dental adhesive. Thin wires and elastic bands are connected to gently guide your teeth into their new, ideal positions over time.
During the first week, it’s normal to feel mild pressure or tenderness as your teeth begin to move. You may notice some temporary irritation on your cheeks or tongue, but this typically fades within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), can help ease any initial discomfort.

Stick to soft foods while you adjust — soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and macaroni and cheese are great options. Within a few weeks, you’ll feel much more comfortable as your mouth adapts to your braces.

Most patients wear braces for about 18–24 months, depending on individual needs. You’ll visit every few weeks for quick adjustments, where your dentist fine-tunes the wires and bands to keep your progress right on track.

And when that exciting day comes? Your braces will be removed, revealing a beautifully aligned, confident smile. After a final polish and cleaning, your dentist may take new X-rays or scans to confirm your results and begin your retainer phase.

Clear Aligners: A Modern, Comfortable Alternative

If you’re looking for a more discreet way to straighten your smile, clear aligner therapy may be the perfect choice.

Your journey begins with a quick digital scan of your teeth — no messy impressions needed. Using these 3D scans, our team designs a series of custom, removable aligners tailored specifically for your treatment plan.

When your aligners are ready, you’ll receive your first sets and detailed instructions on how to wear and care for them. In some cases, small, temporary composite attachments may be placed on certain teeth. These help your aligners apply gentle, precise pressure for optimal movement.

From there, your job is simple — wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours per day, switching to the next set as directed by your doctor. You’ll return for brief checkups to monitor progress and ensure your treatment stays on schedule.

Once your teeth have reached their final positions, you’ll move into the maintenance phase — wearing retainers nightly for life to keep your smile beautifully aligned for years to come. We make your orthodontic journey comfortable, exciting, and fully personalized. Whether you choose braces or clear aligners, our team will guide you every step of the way — from your first scan to your brand-new smile.

Keeping Your Smile on Track: Braces & Clear Aligner Care

Braces can completely transform your smile — but keeping them clean and well-maintained is essential for achieving long-lasting results. Daily care protects your teeth, gums, and orthodontic appliances, ensuring your treatment stays on schedule and your smile stays healthy.

For traditional braces, proper maintenance includes brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding sticky or hard foods that can damage brackets, and keeping plaque buildup to a minimum. Because braces can trap food particles, it’s important to brush after every meal and use floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean around wires and brackets. Staying consistent with your hygiene routine greatly reduces the risk of cavities and gum irritation throughout your treatment.

Caring for Clear Aligners

If you’re using clear aligner therapy, like Invisalign®, proper care is just as important for getting the best results. These removable trays offer a comfortable and discreet way to straighten your teeth — but they must be worn consistently and kept clean.
Here are a few essential tips:

Wear your aligners 20–22 hours per day. Only remove them when eating, drinking (anything other than water), or brushing.
Avoid sugary or colored drinks while wearing aligners. Beverages like soda, juice, or coffee can stain trays and allow sugar to linger on your teeth, increasing your risk of decay.
Clean your aligners after every meal. Gently brush them with a soft toothbrush and rinse thoroughly before putting them back in.
Brush, floss, and rinse at least twice a day. Maintaining great oral hygiene keeps your teeth and aligners fresh, clear, and healthy throughout your treatment.

At Smiles of Aurora, our team is dedicated to helping every patient achieve their dream smile — whether through traditional braces or clear aligners. We’ll guide you step-by-step on how to care for your teeth and orthodontic appliances, so your smile transformation is smooth, comfortable, and successful from start to finish.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid With Braces

While braces work hard to perfect your smile, the foods you eat play a big role in protecting your progress. Hard or sticky foods like popcorn, gum, and hard candy can easily get trapped around brackets or wires, increasing the risk of damage or discomfort.
Sugary drinks and starchy snacks can also wear down your enamel and lead to cavities — so it’s best to limit them while wearing braces.

At Smiles of Aurora, we guide every patient through what to enjoy and what to skip, helping you make smart choices that keep your treatment on track. Here’s a quick reference list of foods and beverages to avoid (and some great alternatives):

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Category	Foods & Beverages to Avoid	Foods & Beverages to Eat
Sticky Foods	Caramel, Chewing gum, Taffy, Toffee, Gummy bears, Fruit snacks, Jelly beans	Sugar-free gum, Pudding, Yogurt, Soft cheese
Hard Foods	Nuts, Hard candies, Ice, Popcorn, Corn nuts, Pretzel rods, Lollipops, Crackers	Soft bread, Soft cookies, Rice cakes
Chewy Foods	Bagels, Licorice, Beef jerky, Granola bars, Hard rolls, Pizza crusts	Soft bread, Soft tortillas, Pancakes, Muffins, Soft pasta
Crunchy Foods	Corn chips, Pretzels, Raw vegetables (carrots, celery), Chips, Hard-shell tacos, Crackers	Soft fruits (bananas, berries), Cooked vegetables, Mashed potatoes, Soft-shell tacos, Soft crackers
Foods to Bite Into	Apples, Corn on the cob, Uncut hard fruits, Raw pears, Whole pickles	Sliced apples, Corn OFF the cob, Sliced pears, Pickle slices
Sugary Foods/Drinks	Soda, Candy, Sugary snacks, Energy drinks, Sports drinks, Sweetened coffee/tea, Chocolate bars	Water, Milk, Unsweetened tea, Fresh fruit, Smoothies
Tough Meats	Beef jerky, Tough cuts of steak, Ribs, Chicken wings with bones	Ground meat, Soft-cooked chicken, Meatballs, Tofu
Acidic Foods/Drinks	Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges), Tomato sauce, Vinegar, Pickles, Lemonade, Sports drinks	Applesauce, Cucumbers
Sticky Desserts	Marshmallows, Toffee, Taffy, Chewy brownies, Caramel apples	Soft brownies, Cupcakes, Ice cream, Pudding
Crunchy Snacks	Granola, Trail mix, Crunchy cookies, Pita chips, Crackers	Soft granola bars, Soft fruits, Soft cookies, Cheese slices

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Brushing and Flossing With Braces

A beautiful smile starts with great hygiene. Along with eating the right foods, keeping your braces clean through regular brushing and flossing is essential. Follow these tips to keep your smile healthy and bright throughout treatment:

Brush after every meal. This helps remove food particles and prevent plaque buildup around your brackets.
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush. It’s gentle on your braces and gums, reducing irritation from over-brushing.
Take your time. Spend at least 2–3 minutes brushing, positioning your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline for a thorough clean.
Brush every surface. Don’t forget the front, back, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Carefully clean around every bracket and wire.
Choose fluoride toothpaste. It strengthens enamel and protects against cavities during orthodontic treatment.
Replace your toothbrush regularly. Swap it out every 3–4 months — or sooner if the bristles start to fray.

Flossing With Braces

Flossing is just as important as brushing for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. It removes trapped food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach areas around your braces.

Here are a few great options for flossing with braces:

Waxed floss glides easily between teeth without snagging.
Floss threaders help guide the floss under archwires for better access.
Water flossers use gentle pressure to clean between teeth and around brackets — perfect for hard-to-reach spots.

Be gentle, especially in the first few weeks. Your gums may be sensitive, so guide the floss carefully between your teeth rather than snapping it. Aim to floss at least once a day, spending a few seconds on each tooth to ensure a deep clean.

At Smiles of Aurora, we’ll show you the best brushing and flossing techniques to keep your braces spotless and your treatment progressing smoothly — so you can enjoy a stunning, healthy smile at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Braces Hurt?

Getting braces doesn’t hurt, but it’s normal to feel mild soreness or pressure during the first few days as your teeth begin to adjust. This temporary discomfort is a sign that your braces are working! Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease any sensitivity, and most patients feel completely comfortable again within one to two weeks.

At Smiles of Aurora, our doctors are trained in orthodontics and use gentle techniques along with high-quality materials to ensure your treatment feels as smooth and comfortable as possible from day one.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

The cost of braces varies depending on the type of braces, treatment complexity, and length of care. While braces are an investment, their long-term benefits — improved health, confidence, and function — are truly priceless.

At Smiles of Aurora, we believe everyone deserves access to a beautiful smile. That’s why we offer affordable payment options and flexible financing plans to make treatment easy to fit within your budget. We’ll go over all your options during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.

How Long Do I Need to Wear Braces?

Treatment time depends on your specific case, but most patients wear braces for 6 to 24 months. Some minor corrections can be completed in as little as a year, while more complex cases may take a bit longer. At Smiles of Aurora, we use modern techniques and digital treatment planning to help you achieve faster, more precise results — so you can enjoy your new smile sooner.

Can Adults Get Braces Too?

Absolutely! It’s never too late to straighten your teeth and improve your smile. Many of our patients at Smiles of Aurora are adults who choose braces or clear aligners for both cosmetic and health reasons. With discreet options like ceramic braces or Invisalign, you can achieve a confident smile without interrupting your daily routine.

Do I Still Need to Visit My Dentist While Wearing Braces?

Yes — regular dental cleanings are still essential. Even with braces, your teeth and gums need professional care to stay healthy. Your dentist can remove plaque and tartar in areas your toothbrush can’t reach and help ensure your smile stays strong throughout treatment. At Smiles of Aurora, we coordinate your orthodontic and dental visits to make your care simple and stress-free.

Transform Your Smile with Smiles of Aurora

Braces are one of the most effective ways to correct misaligned teeth, improve your bite, and achieve a confident, straighter smile. At Smiles of Aurora, we recommend braces for anyone with crooked, crowded, or uneven teeth — as well as those experiencing jaw or bite alignment concerns.

We offer both traditional metal braces and invisible aligners, giving you the freedom to choose the treatment that best fits your lifestyle and goals. Our highly skilled orthodontic team is dedicated to making every step of your journey comfortable, personalized, and stress-free.

Your dream smile is closer than you think. Visit Smiles of Aurora today to schedule your consultation — where advanced care meets genuine compassion, and your smile transformation begins.