Good oral hygiene is important. Your dental health matters. It is not only a matter of having healthy teeth that will be with you for many years to come. You want your teeth to look amazing. Diligent flossing, brushing, and rinsing aren’t always enough to give you a beautiful smile. You may need more than your regular visits to the dentist. Braces may be a smart move for you if you have orthodontic concerns as an adult.
Your Teeth Have Never Been Straight
While the majority of orthodontic clients address problems with their teeth in their early teens or before, adult braces are growing in popularity. There have been a lot of advancements in the orthodontics field. Adult patients now have a lot of options, something they might not have had in their youth. Braces may have been too costly for your family. You may have been too self-conscious to flash brackets on your teeth when you were a kid. Fortunately, it’s never too late to enhance your smile with orthodontic correction.
Your Teeth Have Shifted with Age
As you age, changes can occur in the alignment of your teeth. Your wisdom teeth could have an impact on the position of your teeth, causing crowding that never occurred before. It is also common for the position of your jaw to change as it shifts forward in small amounts over the years. Your jaw will tend to narrow as well. This change can be so minor for some that there is no problem with their teeth. Other people notice that their teeth are no longer as straight as they used to be. Overlapping is common, especially if you have a small mouth.
If you have problems with spacing in your mouth, you could have dental problems. Crowding makes it especially difficult toremove debris, plaque, and tartar that can accumulate in places that are hard to reach. If your teeth are dirty, you could be forced to deal with cavities or gum disease. Something as simple as clear braces could help you to maintain good oral hygiene.
Many adults struggle with sleep apnea, a serious condition that causes an obstruction of your airway when you go to sleep at night. The position of your bite or alignment of your teeth could be the culprit for your sleep apnea. Braces can correct orthodontic issues and help you to breathe freely at night.
You Can Promote Healthy Digestion
Orthodontic concerns don’t only have an impact on how attractive your smile is. They can also make it hard for you to eat, especially when it comes to chewing your food thoroughly. If any of your teeth are in the way of breaking your food down into small pieces, it can throw off your digestive tract. You may also avoid foods that are good for you. Your orthodontist can help you to adjust your teeth to allow you to chew the way you should.
You Can Find Relief from a TMJ Disorder
If your jaw is not aligned in the correct position or your teeth do not create a balanced bite, it can put a great deal of strain on the muscles in your jaw. This strain can cause a TMJ disorder. Inflammation of your jaw muscles, severe headaches, and pain that extends to your shoulders can all be traced to orthodontic problems. Your aching neck and back could even be caused by jaw problems. Braces could relieve your pain while correcting your teeth.
Don’t let your age stop you from improving your smile. You may have missed out on your chance to straighten your teeth when you were a child. You have a broad selection of opportunities now. An orthodontist can speak to you about your options after a careful evaluation. You will be able to see the results quickly. You can choose from traditional braces, braces worn behind your teeth, or clear aligners that slide over your teeth. The right treatment plan can boost your confidence while helping you to keep your teeth healthy and strong.