Dental braces have become a trend among young people in Indonesia. In fact, wearing braces is already considered a fashion accessory. However, did you know that not all dental conditions require braces treatment?
In dentistry, this treatment is called orthodontic treatment. It must be performed by a dentist and must have proper indication.
6 Conditions That Require Dental Braces
1. Tooth Spacing
Tooth loss or irregular tooth arrangement can cause gaps between teeth. Besides aesthetic concerns, tooth spacing can also:
- Cause food to easily get trapped
- Disrupt chewing function
- Affect speech
2. Overbite
A condition where the upper front teeth protrude too far forward compared to the lower teeth. In severe cases, the lower teeth may even touch the roof of the upper jaw.
Impact: Pain and discomfort in teeth, mouth, and facial muscles.
3. Underbite
The opposite of overbite — the lower jaw protrudes further than the upper jaw, so the lower front teeth are in front of the upper teeth.
Impact: Pain and discomfort in the mouth and facial area, difficulty chewing.
4. Crowding
Occurs when jaw space is insufficient for teeth to grow normally, causing teeth to overlap.
Treatment: Orthodontic treatment may include tooth extraction or techniques to widen the dental arch.
5. Crossbite
A condition where upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth (they should be outside). This can occur with front or side teeth.
Impact: Disrupted tooth alignment, disturbed jaw growth, and aesthetic problems.
6. Open Bite
A condition where upper and lower teeth don’t meet when the mouth is closed, causing an open appearance.
Impact: Difficulty biting food and may be accompanied by bad habits like tongue thrusting.
Condition Summary
| Condition | Main Feature | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Spacing | Gaps between teeth | Food trapping, speech issues |
| Overbite | Upper teeth too far forward | Jaw and facial pain |
| Underbite | Lower jaw protrudes | Difficulty chewing, facial pain |
| Crowding | Overlapping teeth | Hard to clean, cavity risk |
| Crossbite | Upper teeth inside lower teeth | Jaw growth disturbance |
| Open bite | Upper-lower teeth don’t meet | Difficulty biting, bad habits |
Types of Dental Braces
| Type | Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | Metal | Most effective, affordable | Highly visible |
| Ceramic | Tooth-colored ceramic | More aesthetic | More expensive, stains easily |
| Lingual | Metal (behind teeth) | Not visible from outside | Hard to clean, expensive |
| Clear Aligner | Transparent plastic | Removable, nearly invisible | Not for severe cases, expensive |
Risks of Wearing Braces Without Indication
Amid the trend of wearing braces, it’s important to know that wearing braces without medical indication carries risks, including:
- Teeth and gum damage from unnecessary pressure
- Unwanted tooth movement
- Jaw pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Risk of infection if not properly installed
- Loose teeth or even tooth loss
Braces installation must be done by a dentist based on proper examination and diagnosis. Avoid having braces installed by unqualified individuals.
Best Age for Orthodontic Treatment
- Children (7-10 years): Initial evaluation by a dentist for early detection
- Teenagers (12-18 years): Most ideal time as permanent teeth are complete and the jaw is still growing
- Adults: Treatment is still possible but may take longer
Conclusion
Dental braces are not just a trend or accessory, but a medical treatment with specific indications. If you have any of the dental conditions mentioned above, consult a dentist promptly for proper treatment.
For those with normal tooth alignment, think carefully before deciding to wear braces. Consult a dentist first to find out whether you truly need orthodontic treatment.