Why Do I Need Braces? - JT Orthodontics

Hey El Paso, Dr. Teng here from JT Orthodontics!

I get it. You’re sitting in my chair, wondering why on earth you need braces. You might be thinking, “My teeth aren’t THAT crooked,” or “I can live with this overbite.” Trust me, I’ve heard it all. But here’s the thing: orthodontic treatment isn’t just about achieving a picture-perfect smile (though that’s definitely a fantastic perk!). It’s about improving your overall oral health and well-being.

More Than Just a Pretty Smile

When your teeth and jaws aren’t aligned properly, it can lead to a whole host of problems you might not even realize. Think about it:

Chewing Challenges: Ever feel like you can’t quite bite into that juicy burger comfortably? Misaligned teeth can make chewing less efficient, and even painful in some cases.
Speech Troubles: Believe it or not, your teeth play a crucial role in how you speak. Certain misalignments can affect your pronunciation of sounds.
Jaw Strain: That nagging headache or sore jaw? It might be caused by your bite. Misalignment can put extra stress on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to discomfort and even chronic pain.
Increased Risk of Damage: Protruding teeth are more prone to chipping or breaking.
Gum Disease and Tooth Decay: Crooked or crowded teeth can be difficult to clean properly, making you more susceptible to gum disease and cavities.

So, How Do I Know if I Need Braces?

Some common signs that you might benefit from orthodontic treatment include:

Overcrowding: Not enough room for all your teeth to fit comfortably.
Spacing: Gaps or spaces between your teeth.
Overbite: Upper front teeth protrude significantly over the lower teeth.
Underbite: Lower front teeth protrude in front of the upper teeth.
Crossbite: Some of your upper teeth bite inside your lower teeth.
Open bite: Upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when your mouth is closed.

What Happens Next?

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, or if you’re simply concerned about the alignment of your teeth, the first step is to schedule a consultation. At JT Orthodontics, we’ll take X-rays, photos, and digital impressions of your teeth to get a complete picture of your unique needs. Then, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan just for you.

Ready to Take the First Step? We have two convenient locations to serve you:

Westside: 5551 N Mesa, Suite A, El Paso, TX 79912. Give us a call at (915) 581-5476.
Eastside: 3030 Trawood Drive, El Paso, TX 79936. Reach us at (915) 855-6616.

We can’t wait to help you achieve the healthy, confident smile you deserve!

Warmly,
Dr. Teng, JT Orthodontics

Patients Love Us!

When my son’s adult teeth started growing, the front tooth was sticking out significantly and made it hazardous when playing and had difficulty biting into fruits. We knew we needed to get him help. In less than a year, he had a brand new smile. His quality of every day life has improved! Thank you!

Victoria Woodard

Super friendly staff, and the doctor was able to complete my treatment earlier than anticipated. Any issues I had were able to be fixed within a good timeframe. Definitely recommend if you need treatment!

Nicole Edge

Amazing staff and doctor! My journey with them started almost 7 years ago as a kid in elementary, I am now in high school with the best smile and results possible! Could not be more grateful and I highly recommend them!

Jade Sanchez

Can’t thank Dr. Teng and his entire staff enough for the care and results I received! I originally went to another orthodontist who recommended jaw surgery for my slightly receded jaw and bite issues. Not fully comfortable with such an invasive route, I decided to get a second opinion—and I’m so glad I did.

Dr. Teng took the time to really assess my case and offered a non-invasive treatment plan that ended up working beautifully. Not only did he correct my bite, but he also helped improve the alignment of my jaw—all without surgery. The process was smooth, the results exceeded my expectations, and every appointment was met with kindness, professionalism, and patience from the entire team.

If you’re looking for an orthodontist who genuinely cares about their patients and goes the extra mile to find solutions that fit your needs, Dr. Teng is the one. I’m so grateful I found him!

Kurt Rey

Update: Grateful for the turnaround in care

I originally left a review expressing disappointment with my experience, particularly around communication and the outcome of my treatment. However, after a recent visit, I feel it’s important to update my review to reflect the positive changes.

At my latest appointment, the team took my concerns seriously, addressed every issue I raised, and made real efforts to fix the problems. They also offered a sincere apology and took full accountability for what had gone wrong previously—which I really appreciated.

My smile is now back on track, and I’m genuinely happy with the results I’m seeing. I’m grateful they took the time to listen and act on feedback. It made a big difference and changed my overall perspective on the care they provide.

Aloe Valenzuela

Today was the day for my braces removal. Eliana helped me again and as always she makes the process fun and explains everything to me so I know what to expect.

sharita gonzalez