Many people think that orthodontics is only for young people. Older children and teens are the largest group wearing braces but according to the New York Times, in the past two decades the percentage of adults getting braces has jumped by over 58 percent. This increase means that over 1.1 million adults are having braces installed on an annual basis. What once was reserved for young people is now perfectly acceptable and common for people of all ages.
The reasons why adults get braces is as unique as the people that get them. The reality is that the benefits of braces remain, regardless of how old you are. Here are some of the ways that they can help you:
- Change your appearance. Braces can straighten your smile and transform your appearance. A crooked smile stands out and can make a person look and feel awkward where a beautiful straight smile will enhance your features and improve your appearance. Orthodontics can accomplish this.
- Correct a bite. A misaligned bite can lead to a variety of oral health issues and cause pain. When the top and bottom teeth don’t fit together correctly it can make eating difficult. Many patients with misaligned jaws also suffer from TMJ symptoms and jaw pain. Aligning the bite can resolve many of these issues, making it important for long term oral health.
- Improve speech. People that have gaps or spaces in between their teeth may have difficulty speaking clearly or whistle when they do. Fortunately, this can be corrected with braces.
- Promote oral health. Teeth that are crooked or oddly placed have a greater chance of getting teeth and bacteria stuck in between them. By straightening your teeth, it will also reduce the risk of oral health issues and promote general wellbeing.
Modern dental technology has greatly improved, making orthodontics more effective than ever. Adults that are considering getting braces have multiple ways of doing so. Traditional metal braces are still extremely effective when a patient has a misaligned jaw that needs to be corrected or needs to have their pallet expanded in order to make room for their teeth straightening. This is the most intensive form of braces which allows the orthodontist to modify your teeth and bite at the same time.
Adults that need to have more minor adjustments made, for example their teeth need to be straightened but their bite is fine, may prefer to use Invisalign. This is a completely clear alternative to traditional metal braces. Custom aligners that look like a clear retainer, are made in the dental lab. Each aligner takes your teeth one step closer to being completely straight. Every couple of weeks you simply replace the current aligner with a new one, until the procedure is complete. Since they are completely clear, most people will be unable to tell that you are wearing them. An additional benefit is that they come out so you can remove the aligner for a special occasion or eating dinner with friends.
To learn more about orthodontics and the options available for straightening your teeth, call Vista Dental Care and Specialty Center today.
