Do Adults Need Braces?

Up until recently, most people believed braces only worked for children and teenagers. Fortunately, that’s not the case! Braces can be used to straighten teeth at any age. For some people, braces may even prevent grinding and early tooth loss.

Braces not only work at every age, as long as your gum tissue is healthy and you don’t suffer from gum inflammation, they can also further enhance your dental health.

You can get the smile of your dreams at any age, and with newer technologies, such as Invisalign®, you don’t have to worry about sporting a metal smile either. Although metal brackets sometimes have their own charm.

With the undeniable cosmetic advantages of orthodontic treatments, our experts want to point out how the benefits of braces go beyond a straight smile. To help you out, we asked our experts at Supertooth in Bethesda, Germantown, and Gaithersberg, Maryland, to explain what benefits adults can experience as a consequence of orthodontic treatments.

Reduced risk for teeth grinding

When your teeth aren’t aligned properly, sometimes the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is overused, causing teeth grinding. When your teeth rub against each other for prolonged periods, the enamel covering them wears down, increasing the risk of breakage.

Reduced risk for plaque and cavities

Misaligned teeth are notoriously hard to keep clean. Oftentimes, they are crowded and it makes it difficult to reach them with your toothbrush. When teeth are spaced properly, flossing and brushing are a breeze, reducing the risk of dental issues.

Improved facial aesthetics

A straight smile goes beyond how your teeth look. When your teeth are shifted into the proper positions, the structure of your jaw changes too. You may even notice positive changes in your upper cheeks as well.

Improved breathing and speech

Braces that are aimed at expanding the upper dental arch help you make sounds easier when you speak as your tongue fits better in your mouth. A wider arch also prevents mouth breathing during sleep.

No more snoring

For some people, snoring can be caused by dental misalignments. A narrow arch and a misaligned jaw can interrupt airflow, which can cause the tissues in your throat and nasal passages to vibrate. These vibrations cause the snoring sounds.

Learn more about braces for adults

If you’ve always dreamed of having a straight smile, now is the time. And with all the added health benefits that come with braces and the possibility to choose whatever braces suit your goals, there’s nothing that stands in the way between you and the perfect smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to find out more about orthodontic treatments for adults.