In your teen years, you watch as classmates get their braces to fix their crooked grins, and stare in awe when the day comes their straight, braces-free smile is revealed. Now as an adult, perhaps you are just as envious now as you were then when you see someone with a perfectly straight smile while yours is…well…less than aligned.
Gone are the days where braces were just for teens, and the number of adults opting for orthodontic treatments are higher than ever. Don’t spend one more year wishing you had the perfect smile, and become one of the millions of adults who are making their dreams a reality one aligner at a time.
Interested in Braces? Ask Yourself These Questions
Getting braces isn’t just about vanity. Ask yourself these questions to determine if your entire smile could improve with the help of orthodontic treatment:
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Are There Gaps Between My Teeth?
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When there are gaps between teeth, this usually means that the upper and lower jaws aren’t fitting together the way they should. Your jaws should work in perfect harmony, but there are many reasons why they end up clashing including things like genetics, childhood habits like thumb or finger sucking, or oral tissue formation. Gaps can heighten your risk of gum disease because the open spaces are more prone to be affected by plaque and becoming inflamed.
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Are My Teeth Crowded and Tightly Packed?
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Overcrowded teeth are a clear sign that braces will be beneficial. Overlapping, tight teeth are both an aesthetic issue and a threat to your oral health. Tight spaces i your smile are likelier to hold plaque buildup and are more difficult to keep clean by just brushing and flossing.
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Is It a Struggle To Bite Comfortably?
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Your upper and lower teeth should fit together without strain or gnashing of your teeth When your mouth is closed, do your teeth meet comfortably? If not, you’re not alone as approximately 70% of the population has an incorrect bite.
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Do I Often or Have I Experienced Jaw Pain?
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Jaw pain might seem like a temporary annoyance, but it can lead to bigger consequences. Maintaining ongoing tension in your jaw from a malocclusion leads to discomfort in your jaw, face and head. Your jaw will slip out of place easily, leading to clenching and grinding your teeth while you sleep. An ongoing jaw issue can lead to the development of a TMJ disorder which makes it difficult to perform daily tasks like chewing, and speaking.
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Is It Difficult To Chew Or Speak?
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Severe malocclusion can prevent you from chewing, speaking and even swallowing properly. If you often bite down in ways you don’t intend, orthodontic treatment will help. Many patients turn to braces to correct malocclusion and regain their confidence in speaking.
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You’re Never Too Old for Orthodontic Treatment
It’s never too late in life for self improvement and your smile is no exception! More adults are opting for orthodontic treatments regardless of their age and those same adults are achieving the smile they’ve always wished they had in as little as 8 months. If the thought of metal brackets and wires are holding you back, we don’t blame you! Thomas Orthodontics offers different treatment options to ensure we find the perfect fit for straightening your smile.
Eliminating The Fear Of Adult Braces
We have many excellent, non-invasive options for straightening your teeth other than traditional metal braces including:
Clear Aligners. Removable aligner trays are the newest way to shift your teeth. They allow adults and other patients who may be self-conscious wearing braces to straighten without embarrassment. Aligners are fully removable to allow for easy eating and cleaning. Wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours a day will leave you with a straight and healthy smile.
Ceramic Braces. Providing similar straightening power as metal braces without giving away that you’re wearing braces. These tooth-colored brackets blend with your teeth to straighten more subtly, with the same treatment plan as traditional braces.
Traditional Metal Braces. The tried and true form of straightening, metal braces have been correcting bites for decades, and for good reason too. Although they’re not the most aesthetic option, braces are a highly effective way to straighten your teeth. Ideal for children and teenagers who may not be up for the responsibility of removable aligners that must be worn for specific hours a day.
Schedule a consultation with Thomas Orthodontics today and be one step closer to a straighter, healthier smile!
