Most people believe that when teeth are crowded, braces will fix everything. While technically that is true, braces can also create much more serious problems if not done correctly. Braces are designed to correct turned or tipped teeth when compared to the remaining teeth in your upper or lower jaw. However, much more care must be taken to align your upper and lower jaws with each other. At Manoa Dental, we find this occurring much more frequently as braces become more popular, especially in adults. If your upper and lowers jaws do not close together correctly, it can lead to a breakdown of the teeth by grinding, fractures, or clenching. Your chewing muscles could also develop tenderness or constant aches in the morning or throughout the day. Your TMJ could also develop symptoms including sounds or ear discomfort among many others described in our previous blogs. Feel free to call us at any time to meet with Dr. Keri Do and see what she can do for you.