Adult Orthodontics: It Is Never Too Late To Straighten Your Teeth

Adult orthodontics can be a great smile-improvement tool, regardless of your age. You may not see adults wearing braces as often as kids, but that does not mean there is an age cutoff for teeth-straightening services. No matter how old you are, it is never too late to improve the way your smile looks and functions.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the number of adults receiving orthodontic treatments has risen 40 percent in the past decade alone. As more adults experience the benefits of orthodontic services, that number is likely to increase. Here are a few great reasons adults of all ages should consider getting braces.

Benefits of adult teeth straightening

Restored dental function

When you have crooked teeth, eating certain foods, especially meat and other chewy foods that can get trapped in the spaces between teeth can be challenging. A bite that does not come together right can also be a problem. For example, when someone's top and bottom teeth do not come together in the front, this is called an anterior open bit. People with an open bite can have trouble biting into sandwiches or apples. When you receive braces or any other orthodontic treatment, your dental function improves as your teeth become straighter. If you have been missing out on Sunday-night roast beef or other favorite dishes due to crooked teeth, braces can help.

Improved appearance

One of the most popular reasons people receive adult orthodontics is the desire for an improved appearance. Everyone wants to look attractive when they smile, and straightening your teeth could help you draw positive attention. Straight teeth are often associated with beauty, wealth, and good health. For many people, a boost of confidence naturally follows an improved appearance. If you struggle to feel good about how you look when you smile, straightening your teeth could be a good way to increase confidence in your smile. Feeling better about your smile may also increase your enthusiasm for dental care, resulting in better dental hygiene.

Make oral hygiene routines easier

If you have crooked teeth, you have probably noticed how difficult it can be to brush and floss them thoroughly. Often, teeth become crooked due to overcrowding in the mouth. When the teeth are overcrowded, the spaces between them are generally very tight. Therefore, attempting to fit dental floss between tight spaces between teeth can be a challenge.

Fortunately, you can rectify this problem by receiving adult orthodontics. Orthodontic treatments can correct the bite and enlarge the jaw to make room for existing teeth. One or more teeth may need to be removed if there are severe overcrowding issues. Once your treatments are complete, you can floss and brush normally to maintain good oral health.

Avoid jaw issues

Crooked teeth can cause your bite to become misaligned. When the bite is misaligned, the upper and lower teeth do not line up properly. This can cause various uncomfortable problems, such as earaches, tinnitus (frequent ringing in the ears), and jaw discomfort. Orthodontics can help combat common jaw problems by correcting the bite so your top and bottom teeth fit together the way they should. Aligning the jaw right can also relieve temporomandibular jaw disorder and headache pain.

Discrete options

Many people may be hesitant to consider adult orthodontics because they believe it will involve a year or more with a mouth full of metal. However, today there are more options than just traditional metal braces. First, even the brackets in metal braces have become smaller. In addition, with lingual braces, patients have the option of having the brackets attached to the backs of their teeth where they are not visible. Also, one can opt for ceramic brackets and wires that blend into the color of the teeth. Ceramic brackets and wires are less noticeable but just as effective as their metal counterparts.

Clear aligners are another attractive option for adults. They can be taken out for short periods, making eating and dental hygiene with orthodontics much easier. In addition, adults like clear aligners for both their discreetness and flexibility. These are just a few of the ways orthodontics has been made easier. With all these options, you will likely find a tooth straightening treatment that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Conclusion

There is no reason to settle for a smile you do not love when you can easily correct it. Take some time to study the pros and cons of adult orthodontics so you can decide if braces or other orthodontic treatments are a good choice for your oral needs.

Request an appointment here: https://www.brooklyn-orthodontist.com or call Brooklyn Heights Orthodontics: Susan Liebman, DMD at (718) 416-6368 for an appointment in our Brooklyn office.

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