One in every four patients visiting a dental clinic for braces is an adult. One reason that could be contributing to this fact is that, adult orthodontic treatment is becoming more accessible and effective. For that reason, the number of adult patients will continue rising with time, as more elect to begin orthodontic treatment.
The reasons that people choose to get braces and orthodontic services vary based on personal needs and preferences. When the need arises, dentists may be one of the first to recommend patients to seek orthodontic treatment. Keep reading to discover why more adults are deciding to get braces today.
Crowding
Crowding is one of the main reasons you might need braces because it leads to tooth overlap. Crowding occurs when the adult teeth are too big, or the dental arch is small. It may also occur when you lose your baby teeth earlier or later than usual.
For most people, crowded teeth can cause issues with their self-confidence. Correcting the problem can help boost your self-esteem by improving your smile.
Additionally, fixing crowded teeth can help you get rid of dental plaque, which accumulates in places where your toothbrush cannot reach. Crowded teeth form the best hiding places for dental plaque, which can lead to cavities.
Teeth Spacing
Dentists may recommend orthodontic treatment when your teeth have irregular spacing. Missing teeth, large jaw size, or teeth that are small in proportion to your mouth can cause spacing. Spaced teeth can create gaps in your mouth, which can make you feel uncomfortable when smiling.
For most people, correcting spaced teeth might seem like a daunting process because they think its only purpose is to fix cosmetic issues. However, the procedure can help you get rid of many dental problems. Wide spaces in your teeth allow food particles to get stuck and accumulate on the gums.
Therefore, spaced teeth can lead to cavities, bad breath, and other oral problems. Today, there are many types of braces you can get if you are not comfortable with the traditional metal ones.
Underbite or Overbite
An underbite or overbite occurs when your lower teeth and the upper front teeth overlap when smiling. Underbites can cause low self-esteem issues when talking or eating, while overbites increase the chances of damaging your gum tissue or front teeth. Dentists recommend orthodontic services to prevent these issues because they can lead to oral injury and dental complications.
Getting Adult Braces Can Fix Problems Affiliated with Misaligned Teeth
Most people who decide to get braces as an adult, mainly do so for cosmetic reasons. Everyone understands that the first impression you leave on people matters. Various studies prove that people with aligned teeth have a 45% higher chance of getting a job than someone with the same qualifications and misaligned teeth.
In addition, crooked teeth may lead to other complications other than affecting your smile. Some of the conditions include persistent neck pains and headaches due to unhealthy bite, ear pain, pain in the jaw joints, soreness in the muscles of the neck and jaw, gum disease, tooth decay, chewing, eating difficulties, and speech impediments.
How Adult Braces Can Enhance Your Life
Straight teeth give you an improved smile, which can help you feel attractive and self-confident. Studies show that people with perfectly straight teeth are rated better in different aspects of life than people with misaligned teeth. In a survey, approximately 38% of people stated that there is a higher chance they would not go on a second date with a person who has crooked teeth.
Adult braces can help you improve your oral health. Dentists will likely recommend braces so you can remedy the issues that crooked teeth cause to impact your dental health.
Final Word
It would be prudent to invest in your oral health and outlook because such a step can mean a great deal in your life. Remember, when it comes to orthodontic treatment, excellent services and results are better than good deals. Work with an orthodontist or dentist in Farmington who has your best interest at heart. If you’re in need of orthodontic care, contact us to schedule a free orthodontic consultation.