Published on July 28, 2016, Updated on July 28, 2016
Adult braces are on the rise. If you thought braces were just for children or teens, think again. With state-of-the-art, aesthetic bracket systems, adults have discreet options for improving their smiles and their oral health. While obtaining a more beautiful smile and increasing your confidence is a great reason for seeking orthodontic treatment, it isn’t the most important reason. Crossbites or misaligned teeth make it easier for food to get trapped and for plaque to accumulate between your teeth making you more susceptible to the effects of decay and gum disease. Irregular wear of the tooth enamel of your teeth can also impact the strength of your teeth, weakening them overtime. Misaligned bites also lead to TMJ/TMD pain and chronic discomfort. Don’t set yourself up for problems by putting off orthodontic treatment that you need. Learn about all the amazing options now available to you!
Anything that makes it more challenging to brush or floss your teeth makes it easier for plaque and tartar to accumulate. The more plaque and tartar on your teeth and gums, the greater your chances are for developing gum disease. Overcrowded or crooked teeth can be treated with orthodontic treatment to straighten your smile and help you prevent gum disease. Gum disease and the more advanced stage, periodontal disease, put you at great risk for losing your teeth and facing health risks and conditions associated with periodontal disease such as: heart disease, stroke, premature births, diabetes, and respiratory disease.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, it is believed that over 10 million Americans are affected by Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD/TMJ) and joint pain. Temporomandibular Disorder refers to a variety of conditions that impact TM joints, jaw muscles and your facial nerves. TMD commonly occurs when the jaw twists during opening, closing or side-motion movements. Misaligned teeth or bites that are not coming together correctly can cause irregular forces on your jaw joints resulting in TMJ/TMD pain and issues. By correcting your bite and teeth alignment with orthodontic treatment, you can treat and prevent TMJ/TMD pain from occurring.
Advances in science and medicine offer a wide selection of adult braces options for your orthodontic treatment. For adult patients who fear the cosmetic impact of orthodontics, Dr. T.C. Hardy offers alternative methods to traditional metal braces that are much less conspicuous and more comfortable. Gone are the days when your only option for straightening your teeth were noticeable, traditional metal braces with their accompanying metal brackets and wires.
Hardy Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics has adopted the latest orthodontic technology and treatment methods to help deliver to you a superior level of adult braces treatment options with trusted results in a fraction of the time. Digital x-ray systems, digital impressions, 3D scans of your mouth all provide Dr. Hardy with the information he needs to give you more accurate and more comfortable appliances that are better fabricated for giving you the results you desire.
Gone is the idea that braces are just for children. Adult braces are increasing in popularity due to all the recent innovations that make straightening your smile and improving your oral health so much easier, so much quicker, and so much less noticeable. Whatever your reasons may be, one of the biggest results you will enjoy from orthodontic treatment is the affect it will have on your confidence and self esteem. Orthodontists are expertly trained to know how your teeth, jaws and facial muscles should look and function to provide you with the best functionality you can have and to produce your best appearance. Being able to bite, chew, and speak normally can help give you the confidence you need for other areas of your life that are affected by these noticeable acts.
If you were unable to have your teeth straightened in your youth, or if your smile has changed over time after having braces in your youth, you have options! Hardy Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics can help you obtain a healthy, functional, attractive smile. To learn more about our treatments or to schedule an appointment, call our Erie office today at 720-887-6003.