As the result of tongue placement, processed foods, and natural aging, it’s not uncommon for people who grew up with braces to find themselves needing them again once they grow up. Even for those who have never had braces before, they can offer a number of health and cosmetic benefits. Our Lake Anna dentists have helped countless adults correct their smiles with braces. Whether you want to straighten your teeth or correct an overbite, choosing to invest in adult braces can be an excellent choice for your long term health and self-esteem.
What are the Health Benefits of Braces?
The health benefits of braces are a little more obscure than their cosmetic benefits, but equally as valuable. As we mentioned earlier, teeth shift over time; while these slight changes may seem like no cause for worry, overlapping teeth actually have an increased potential for building up plaque. This can be a problem for a number of reasons:
- Tooth Overlap Prevents Flossing: When teeth overlap even slightly, it is much more difficult to brush and floss where each tooth meets. Insufficient cleaning between teeth can actually increase the risk of cavities and tooth decay over time. For adults who have severe overlaps in their dental structure, adult braces may be recommended to straighten out the teeth and prevent increased chances of gum disease.
- Gum Disease: Also known as periodontal disease, this severe complication with the mouth’s gum tissue can cause a number of unpleasant side effects if it goes untreated. Gum disease isn’t necessarily a direct cause of teeth with gaps or overlaps; instead, when teeth are overlapping or impacted, they can increase susceptibility to infection. If this infection progresses, inflamed gums can then advance into a painful case of periodontal disease that takes extensive care to treat.
What are the Cosmetic Benefits of Braces?
Braces are most commonly used to straighten out crooked teeth, but they can also be used for a number of other cosmetic factors as well. People who have severe overbites (or under bites) benefit by having their jaw realigned and overbite reduced. Additionally, those who have teeth set higher or lower than one another can benefit from braces by having their smile straightened. Lastly, significant gaps in your smile can be corrected without the use of crowns.
What Types of Braces Are Currently Available?
Today’s technology has given us braces for adults that are significantly improved from the metallic stereotype that movies have popularized. The braces currently used by today’s orthodontists include designs like Invisalign, as well as “quick-finish” programs that get your braces on and off in a matter of 12 months or less.
Adults braces can benefit your quality of life by improving both your oral health and self-image. In fact, the American Orthodontic Association found during a study between 2010 and 2012 that more adults than ever were requesting orthodontic corrections. Essentially, adult braces have become much more socially acceptable in today’s world, allowing more men and women to feel comfortable about wearing braces in the workplace. If you have any questions about our adult orthodontic programs, talk to our Lake Anna dentists today at (540) 967-5800.