Adults account for about a quarter of all orthodonture patients, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, and that number is on the rise. At Constant and Contro Orthodontics, in Cupertino and Palo Alto, California, our team offers Invisalign for patients who want to experience all the benefits orthodontic treatment can offer.
If you’re wondering if orthodontic treatment is right for you, here are five factors to consider.
What’s the first thing you notice about someone when you meet them — or the fiftieth? Chances are it’s their smile. If your smile doesn’t look its best, it can easily make you feel self-conscious and less attractive than you’d like.
Orthodontic treatment as an adult lets you finally take control of your appearance and the impression you’re making, so you enjoy greater confidence and self-esteem. That’s a benefit that can’t be taken too lightly. Research shows people with better self-esteem also enjoy greater success in their careers, better relationships, and improved physical and emotional health.
Bite problems don’t just affect the way you chew. They can affect your jaw health as well. When your bite is out of alignment, it can cause problems like jaw pain, chronic headaches, and clicking and sticking sensations every time you open your mouth.
Orthodontic treatment helps restore normal bite mechanics, relieving jaw strain and preventing uncomfortable symptoms. Plus, good bite mechanics cut down on uneven tooth wear, which can lead to increased tooth decay, tooth fractures, and other problems.
Speaking of alignment, orthodonture treatment is also designed to correct misalignment of your teeth. Crooked or sideways teeth, gapped teeth, and teeth that are out of line can all create problems with oral hygiene. Over time, this can lead to cavities, gum disease, and deep infections, increasing your risk of tooth loss.
Properly aligned teeth are also easier to keep clean, improving oral health and reducing the risks of cavities and other problems. Plus, properly aligned teeth enhance smile symmetry, helping your teeth look their absolute best.
Dentures serve an important purpose in helping people maintain their bite mechanics following tooth loss. But it’s safe to say that most people would prefer to keep their own natural teeth instead.
Because properly aligned teeth offer benefits for your overall oral health, they can also help you avoid problems that can lead to tooth loss. Better still, you can benefit from straight teeth no matter how old you are, as long as your jaws are healthy enough to support your teeth as they move into their new positions.
Years ago, metal braces were the only option for straightening teeth. But today, there are many alternatives, including clear aligners and lingual braces attached to the backs of your teeth. Even so-called traditional braces are less visible, thanks to ceramic brackets that blend in with your natural tooth color.
These options mean you can enjoy all the benefits of orthodontic treatment without worrying about how braces look.
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for kids and teens — it offers plenty of benefits for adults as well. To learn how orthodonture treatment can help you improve your oral health, smile, and confidence, request an appointment online or over the phone with the Constant and Contro Orthodontics team today.
