You go through many changes as you age, and your smile changes right along with you. As your teeth continue to move, your dental health needs will also change over time. Although many people correlate braces with younger teens, adults undergoing braces treatment also have the opportunity to improve their smile —as well as their overall health. Adults make up one in every five orthodontic patients today, proving that braces and the benefits they bring are not just for teens! Whether your teeth need a functional upgrade, or you’re looking for a cosmetic makeover, braces might be the perfect solution for you! Keep reading as we take a deeper look at the various ways adult braces can improve your quality of health.
Improved Oral Health
You want your smile to stay healthy, and that means keeping your whole mouth healthy with it. Brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining good dental hygiene. But these can be difficult if your teeth are crooked, crowded, or overlapping. These issues can make it challenging to give your teeth a thorough cleaning, which increases the risk of plaque and bacteria building up in your mouth. The result is a higher risk for cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and gingivitis. Braces not only prevent these dental issues, but straighter teeth also allow for better access to the gum line, which makes flossing much easier. They are also more high maintenance, which can encourage habits that increase overall oral cleanliness. The extra care and attention that goes into cleaning your teeth with braces lead to an overall healthier, cleaner mouth.
Improved Jaw Alignment
We all know braces can straighten your teeth—but did you know that braces can also straighten the jaw? Misaligned teeth can negatively affect your jaw and joints, and issues with both frequently go together. If your jaw has to compensate for improper positioning, the joints will adjust accordingly, but it will often be to a position that can cause further damage. Some of the symptoms you may experience with improper jaw alignment are:
- Headaches or migraines
- A jaw popping or “creaking”
- Limited jaw movement
- Pain in the jaw, neck, or shoulders
- Sleep disorders
- Teeth grinding
- Dizziness or nausea
Much of your health and comfort comes from teeth alignment, and braces can help straighten out any crooked spots or improper positioning. Personalized treatment from one of our doctors can assess the severity of any issues we may have and find the best solution. This can lead to lasting physical improvements even beyond your teeth themselves.
Improved Digestion
That’s right, the benefits of braces go beyond just what’s in your mouth! Your teeth are an essential part of the digestive process, so naturally, there’s a connection between your mouth and your stomach. The first and most important step in digestion is chewing. If your teeth are too misaligned to properly chew, it can have a negative effect on your overall digestion. Weak or misaligned teeth can’t break down food properly, and so food will pass through your digestive system more slowly. If you experience tooth or jaw pain, chewing can become a painful process and limit what and how you eat.
Jaw misalignment can also wear down your teeth, which can leave your teeth chipped, cracked, or even gone altogether. This wear and tear can even lead to weakening jaw muscles. The result is that eating becomes much more difficult and it’s harder for your body to receive the nutrients you need to live, which impacts your health far beyond just your mouth. Strong, straight teeth help make sure your body gets all the ingredients it needs to stay healthy.
Improved Speech
One of the most underrated benefits of braces is how they improve your speech. Your teeth play an important role whenever you verbally communicate with others. Misalignment of teeth or jaws can lead to painful or disjointed speaking, making it more difficult to articulate our words. The positioning of your teeth can even affect your speech patterns by causing your tongue or lips not to attain the position necessary to make certain sounds. For example, misaligned teeth can change the placement of the tip of your tongue, which is needed to make sounds like ‘t,’ ‘n,’ and ‘d.’ Misalignment can also result in speech impediments such as lisping or whistling. Your voice uses all different parts of your mouth, and so you want everything aligned so you can be clear when talking to others.
Elevate your smile with Sawgrass Orthodontics
Here at Sawgrass Orthodontics, we know no one is too old for a healthier, more confident smile. We offer a wide range of orthodontic treatments for all ages, from durable metal braces to discrete ceramic braces to custom Invisalign, we have what’s right for you. While aesthetics are a common drive for most adults who get braces, there are plenty of practical reasons why our orthodontic treatment may be right for.
If you still have questions about getting braces as an adult, you can schedule your free consultation right on our website, and we will work to find a time that fits your schedule, for this and all of your future appointments. You’re never too old for the perfect smile, and Sawgrass Orthodontics wants to help you find yours every step of the way!
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