Hate Those Gaps Between Your Teeth? 3 Non-Superficial Reasons To Get Braces As An Adult

Posted on: 15 May 2017

Since you were a kid, you've always longed for a beautiful smile. Yet, you always put off getting braces because you felt like it was more for aesthetics. While it may seem prudent to avoid spending time or money on braces when you have so many other responsibilities, the sad truth is that delaying treatment can lead to serious issues as you age. Before you opt out of your next referral for orthodontic treatment, ask your oral health care professional if you might receive these non-superficial benefits of getting braces in adulthood.

Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Wide spaces between your teeth may seem easier to clean, but they can actually work like food traps and cause you to miss areas that accumulate plaque when you are brushing your teeth. It is also common for a gap on one side of your mouth to cause crowding in another area that also stands in the way of proper brushing and flossing. Getting clear braces will fix these issues so that your oral hygiene routine and dental cleanings are more effective at preventing cavities and gum disease. When you have a concern about dental cavities, take advantage of new options such as Invisalign that can be removed for better cleaning between meals.

Alleviate Symptoms From a Misaligned Bite

A mild issue with the alignment of your bite may not drastically affect your appearance. However, it can eventually cause your jaw joints and ligaments to attempt to self-correct the way your teeth fit together. Over time, this tension in your bite can lead to TMJ symptoms such as clicking, popping, and pain. Clear braces allow you to subtly adjust your bite so that you do not run the risk of dealing with severe discomfort in the future.

Prevent Dental Injuries

Misaligned teeth can increase your chances of having a dental emergency because of the pressure that they place on the opposing teeth during chewing. Nighttime grinding is also a common symptom of a misaligned bite that leads to worn down and cracked teeth. You can also bite your cheeks and lips when you have protruding teeth. Since dealing with dental trauma often requires emergency treatment, it is best to be proactive and correct orthodontic issues early on.

Sure, a beautiful smile is a definite perk, but you should also be aware of the many benefits of getting braces now. From avoiding future oral health problems to finally being able to sleep without jaw pain, you can improve your overall comfort in addition to your appearance.

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Anyone who provides a service specifically for the youngest among us knows that treating kids must be approached very differently from treating adults. Children are not like adult patients. They require a dental team that makes children feel safe and secure at every appointment. The pediatric dental staff also needs to understand how to work with parents as well as young patients. As a pediatric dental hygienist and a mom, I understand that specific needs of children when they are visiting the dentist. This blog will explain exactly what kids need from a dental staff and will give options for making the dental office a welcoming environment to children. We can give a whole new generation healthy smiles by making pediatric dentistry the best it can be.