In a perfect world, our teeth would line up as evenly as piano keys. But we know we don’t live in a perfect world. A lot of us have crooked or uneven teeth. Even if you never got braces as a kid, though, you can still correct your bite with help from Henry Advanced Orthodontics in St. Augustine.
Getting braces is often seen as a rite of passage in teenagers. When adults correct the alignment of their teeth, it’s a different ballgame. The techniques and processes are about the same, but having braces as an adult will definitely make you stand out.
And yet, more and more adults are getting their teeth straightened with orthodontics. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one of every five orthodontic patients is over eighteen.
It’s a good idea to straighten teeth, no matter your age. Crowded or crooked teeth can lead to serious health problems. Improperly aligned teeth are difficult to clean, even with diligent brushing, which puts you at greater risk of getting cavities and gum disease. In some cases, poorly aligned teeth can also put greater stress on the muscles you use for chewing, and cause facial pain. And that’s to name just a few of the potential problems.
Teeth are straightened with braces by putting pressure on them to change their position in the jaw. That’s what braces do: they gently and gradually push teeth into the desired position.
Since the bones of adults have stopped growing, it usually takes longer to re-align their teeth than in children or teenagers. It varies from patient to patient, but the process may take up to two years. As the teeth move, part of the bone around the roots of the teeth actually dissolve, and new bone builds up in the space where the root used to be.
Henry Advanced Orthodontics has fitted many adults with braces. Many patients are good candidates for Invisalign clear braces, which can be removed at mealtimes and when you brush your teeth. If you’re an adult interested in correcting your bite, call us to schedule a consultation.
