Adult Orthodontics: 3 Reasons Grown-Ups Need Braces

Although we tend to think of our teeth as immobile ivory-tinted mounds in our mouths, the truth is that they’re held in place by connective tissues, bone, muscles, and ligaments that have a natural capacity for movement. That’s why orthodontic services, like traditional braces, are so successful.

Many people straighten their smiles during their youth when their jawbones are more malleable, leaving many adults to worry that it’s too late for them to undergo treatment. Continue reading to learn 3 excellent reasons that braces aren’t just for teenagers!

Reason #1: Age-Related Dental Drifting

If you’ve always had a relatively even grin, you might not have considered orthodontics in the past because they weren’t required. However, the frequent pressure exerted by daily biting and chewing over the years can eventually push even the straightest teeth out of place. Not only that, but if you’re missing one or more teeth, the ones left behind can shift out of position to fill the empty spaces. This can wear them down unevenly, increasing the risk of cavities and injuries.

Braces are the tried-and-true solution for addressing everything from minor concerns to more severe issues, regardless of your age. Older adults might take longer to complete treatment because their teeth tend to move more slowly, but it’s not too late to try!

Reason #2: Bite Misalignments

Dental drifting is only one part of the problem; many adults seek out orthodontic treatment to help with other serious concerns, like bite misalignments. If your upper and lower arches don’t come together correctly when you close your mouth, you might have a malocclusion that needs attention before permanent damage is done.

Concerns like overbites, underbites, open bites, or cross bites can potentially thin your enamel prematurely, contribute to challenges eating or speech impediments, or even cause TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders. Braces can be used in conjunction with bands or other accessories to reposition your upper and lower teeth so they close together correctly when you bite down.  

Reason #3: Resolve Discomfort

Have you noticed that your jaw feels tighter, tender, or makes a clicking noise when you open your mouth or chew? If so, you might already have developed a TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). If your teeth are improperly positioned, your jaw might be required to overcompensate to help pulverize your food enough to be easily swallowed and digested. The added pressure on the joints connecting your mandible to your skull can irritate and inflame them. Overtime, this can cause a stiff or locked jaw, soreness, headaches, and difficulty falling and staying asleep.

Braces are a reliable treatment that can help teens and adults improve their appearance and oral health by fixing dental misalignments and malocclusions.

About the Practice

At Chicago Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, you and your family benefit from a team of experts who provide a wide range of services to improve your dental condition. Although they have pediatric dentists on staff to help children build and maintain happy healthy teeth and gums, they also have orthodontists on site who can help patients of all ages straighten their smiles. They combine a caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to help you feel at ease, then deliver accurate treatment results intended to last. If you think you might need braces, you can request a consultation on the website or by calling (312) 766-0995.