Do you think braces are just for kids? Think again—of the four million people that wear braces in the U.S. nearly 25 percent are adults. Braces can correct different dental issues in adults as well as teens and children.

Wondering why you should get braces? There are plenty of reasons to consider orthodontics for adults. Find out more and why you should search for “orthodontist near me” so you can get the smile you always dreamed of.

Why Orthodontics for Adults?

Braces move teeth into the ideal position and align your bite. Malocclusion is the term that means the teeth are not aligned properly. Your upper teeth should sit slightly over your lower teeth when you close your bite. Each molar should fit in the grooves of the opposite molar (meaning the upper molars fit into the lower molars).

Here are some reasons your dentist may recommend braces.

Fix Typical Malocclusions

Your orthodontist will determine the extent and nature of your malocclusion and determine the extent of treatment. If your teeth are misaligned, it can affect more than your smile. The following conditions can also be corrected with orthodontic treatment:

  • Jaw or TMJ pain
  • Speech impediments
  • Difficulty eating and chewing
  • Clenching or grinding teeth
  • Sleep apnea from mouth breathing and snoring
  • Teeth decay and gum disease

If you have any of these conditions and your teeth do not line up properly, you should talk to your dentist about your condition and discuss orthodontics in Spanish Fork. 

Balance Out Your Bite

Your bite is how your lower and upper teeth line up and if they meet at certain locations as you chew and speak. Orthodontics can help balance your bite so that your teeth don’t need to move too much to fit together or will stay together properly on their own.

Your upper front teeth should extend about three to five millimeters in front of your bottom teeth. If you have an overbite, your front teeth will extend above these five millimeters.

If your lower teeth extend beyond the front of your upper teeth, you have an underbite

A crossbite happens when one or more of your teeth grow at an angle (or diagonally) instead of vertically.

Improve Gum and Bone Health

Some orthodontic treatments can improve the health of your gums and jawbone, so you can live and keep your permanent teeth when you are done with your adult braces. Straighter teeth are easier to brush, floss, and clean.

This means you can maintain excellent oral hygiene and prevent periodontal disease and cavities. Cavities can ultimately destroy the bone that holds the teeth in place, so excellent oral hygiene is vital to keeping your permanent teeth.

Ease Tension in the Jaw

When you fix and strength of your bite when lining up your teeth, it can help ease pressure and tension—especially if you grind your teeth. You may grind your teeth due to anxiety or stress, or you may even do it in your sleep. Grinding your teeth can damage your nearby teeth, so it’s vital to keep your bite strong and ease tension in your jaw with orthodontic treatment.

Increase Self-Confidence

Have you always wanted a straight smile? You can feel more confident about yourself when you deal with dental issues like crooked teeth or gaps between teeth. If you have well-aligned teeth, it can make you look younger than your peers and give you confidence for that job interview.

When you feel good about yourself, it can make a big difference in your life. You may find yourself smiling more.

Research shows that it only takes a brief second to form an opinion on someone’s attractiveness and trustworthiness. One of the best ways to make a great impression is through your smile. How do you feel about your smile?

Orthodontics can improve your life by helping with your self-confidence. Don’t worry orthodontic treatments are not as painful as you may think!

Improve Breathing and Speech

If your teeth are misaligned, you may have some chronic speech issues or make whistling noises when you speak. Braces can fix this misalignment and may help you get rid of those speech problems.

If you have an open bite when you chew, it can interfere with air traveling during respiration. This can lead to sleep apnea. With Invisalign in Utah treatment, you can improve your dental health and also prevent your condition from getting worse. I

Choices for Treatment

You also have options for orthodontic treatment. There are also options that are effective and less noticeable. Your Payson orthodontics team can help you determine which option works best for your needs, lifestyle, and goals. Here are some of the most common options.

Invisalign® Clear Aligners

This is a popular option for adults. This treatment uses a 3D image of your teeth to create custom-fit trays that gradually move both your teeth and jaw into the wanted position. If are worried about the visibility of treatment, this is the most discreet form of treatment.

Conventional Metal Braces

Conventional braces provide exceptional treatment and can be an effective choice for various orthodontic concerns. The braces are smaller and more comfortable than they used to be. More adults like this option based on the speed of treatment.

Ceramic Braces

Looking for the same benefits of traditional braces but want it to be less noticeable? You may want to consider ceramic braces. 

Ceramic braces use tooth-colored composite brackets to blend in with your natural teeth. They are not as noticeable. You will have to be especially careful when cleaning ceramic braces because certain foods can easily stain the ceramic brackets making them stand out more.

Finding Braces Near Me

Now that you why you should consider orthodontics for adults, it’s time to consult a professional. The best Spanish Fork orthodontist can help you choose the right type of treatment for your lifestyle and your unique alignment needs.

If you live in Utah or looking for an orthodontist in Payson, you can schedule a free consultation with us today and get started on the healthy smile you always wanted. We also offer family orthodontics for kids braces as well.