Orthodontics is a specialty in dentistry that deals with the alignment of your teeth and bite. If you’re curious about getting adult braces, you’re taking the first step into having a beautiful smile and better oral health. Here are some things you should understand about adult orthodontics.
Many Adults Are Patients
Once braces were only associated with being a rite of passage as a teenager. Of course, pre-teens had them as well. Thanks to advancements in orthodontic technology and a different perspective on getting braces, adults have now gotten in on seeking treatment, even if it’s later in life. Today, adults represent 20% of patients getting braces annually, and the number continues to rise.
Improve Your Bite
When people think of braces, they often think of straightening your teeth, which is one of their main purposes. However, adult orthodontics is also important for correcting your bite. Having an aligned bite is healthy for many reasons, including improving your eating, speech, and sleep. If you’re an adult who has dealt with discomfort due to your bite alignment all your life, correcting your bite with adult braces can give you some relief.
It Can Help You Sleep
Sleep apnea happens when your airway gets blocked while sleeping, and it can cause you to wake up several times during the night. If you have a dental misalignment or your jaw is too small, it can actually cause the tongue to fall backward and block the airway while you sleep. According to the Sleep Foundation, adults should get seven to nine hours of restful sleep at night. Good sleep is hard to achieve when you have sleep apnea, but getting adult braces can help bring rest you may not have had in a long time.
Practice Better Hygiene
Did you know that braces can help with your oral hygiene? If some of your teeth crowd together, it can be hard to properly brush and floss each one. When you can’t reach the full surface of each tooth, it’s easier for decay to set in. When braces properly align your teeth, you’ll no longer have such obstructions to thorough cleaning.
As you can see, adult braces can bring many benefits. From improving your sleep to improving your bite to helping you get better oral hygiene, it’s worth getting these orthodontic treatments even though you’re no longer a teen. Contact our office today at Four Corners Orthodontics & Dental for a consultation.