The way my teeth come together feels funny, do I need braces?

[Nuluby]

I can’t decide whether I should go ahead with orthodontic treatment because my teeth are more or less straight but the way they come together just feels weird. It’s hard to explain but it’s as if they are scratching each other on one side, and then they sort of click together in one way that makes me think they have kind of worn into a jigsaw-like position and this might be damaging them. I really don’t want to get braces to be honest because I had them when I was a teenager and I didn’t particularly enjoy the experience but I would definitely go through it again if I thought my teeth were at risk for some reason – who knows, it might not be as bad the second time around! Do you think I have a real problem here or is it just in my head?

[Dr Ehsan J. Esfahani]

Hello,
Thanks for your post.

I’m afraid it is hard for me to make a diagnosis without having seen your teeth, but if you are undecided about your orthodontic treatment then I think the best thing to do would probably be to speak to an orthodontist and have your teeth examined to see if there is anything that needs to be done immediately to improve their condition. If your teeth are uncomfortable in the way they come together, then this may suggest there is movement or some wear on several teeth that is causing them to slot together in an undesirable position. Although this may only be uncomfortable at the moment, conditions like this can become problematic at a later stage because they could be somewhat progressive and the teeth may continue to move – or there could be complications with the way the jaw muscles function. As I say, it is hard to speculate at this stage, so if you would like to make an appointment with us, you can call the reception team and arrange that – then we can examine your teeth and you will know where you stand with regards to on-going dental work.