Have you spent years feeling self-conscious about your smile but worry that the chance for improving it has passed you by? Are you uncomfortable with how your teeth look or feel but aren’t sure if orthodontic treatment is available at your age? Has it become difficult to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as they should be over the years, but you aren’t sure where to turn to correct this?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, adult braces could be the perfect solution! While orthodontic treatment was once seen as kind of a rite of passage for teens, there’s been a recent shift in the way patients think and we’re treating more adults than ever before. In fact, about 1 in every 3 current patients is over the age of 18, a record number.
At Timock Family Orthodontics, we know it’s never too late to achieve a healthier, happier smile. Our treatment options can correct a wide range of orthodontic problems, including crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw positioning, and more. While the most commonly known benefit of treatment is a more attractive smile, there are many lesser-known advantages to adult braces. Let’s take a look at some of the issues orthodontics can improve!
Improved chewing
When your teeth and jaws are out of alignment, you might have difficulty correctly biting and chewing your food. If this is left untreated over time, this can contribute to excessive wear and tear on your teeth. It may even lead to the muscles of the jaws weakening. This can cause painful chewing, exacerbating any issues you’re already having.
Improved digestion
You may be surprised to find there’s a connection between your stomach and your smile, but your teeth are a crucial component of the digestive process! Chewing your food is the first step of this process and the most important one as well. If you can’t chew properly due to misaligned teeth, it can negatively affect your whole digestive system. When your teeth have trouble breaking down food, it will pass through the digestive system much more slowly. Chewing may also be painful due to tooth or jaw pain, limiting what and how often you can eat.
Improved speech
Your speech can also be affected by the alignment of your teeth and jaws. Misaligned teeth can influence the placement of the tip of the tongue, which is essential to properly form certain sounds, including ‘t’, ‘n’, and ‘d.’ As an experienced orthodontist, Dr. Timock will be able to help identify any speech issues related to misalignment. He can also assess the severity of any issues, then devise the most effective solution for you based on your specific needs.
Improved oral health
Brushing and flossing are an essential part of any dental hygiene routine. But when teeth are crooked, crowded, or overlapping, they can be difficult to clean. This increases the risk of plaque and bacteria building up, potentially leading to tooth decay, gum disease, cavities, and gingivitis. These may be common dental ailments, but they’re also preventable. Orthodontic treatment can help move the teeth into more optimal positions, making it much easier to maintain an effective oral hygiene routine!
Improved jaw alignment
Misaligned teeth can have a noticeable effect on your jaw muscles and joints. If the jaws are forced to compensate for bad positioning, the joints will adapt in response, but it will often be to a position that can cause further damage. This is why we tend to see jaw issues and misaligned teeth present in a patient together. Some of the symptoms you may experience with improper jaw alignment are:
- headaches or migraines
- jaw that seems to pop or “creak”
- pain in the jaw, neck, or shoulders
- sleep disorders
Our personalized treatment plans can help minimize or even eliminate these symptoms by properly aligning your teeth and jaws. This approach will give you a smile that feels good, functions well, and looks beautiful!
Improved treatment options
Whatever your reason for seeking orthodontic treatment as an adult, there are more options than ever before! We offer the following treatments for a total smile makeover.
Traditional metal braces
Traditional metal braces are an orthodontic staple in Fort Collins and Windsor! This is one of our most efficient treatments, particularly for more severe or complicated cases. Modern braces use high-quality stainless steel, but innovations in the design mean they’re much more comfortable than previous versions. The total treatment time also tends to be shorter than it used to be.
Ceramic braces
These function in much the same way traditional braces do but use ceramic brackets instead of metal ones. For an almost invisible treatment option, these clear brackets can be used with elastics or ties that are also clear, white, or tooth-colored! Ceramic braces can be an excellent choice for image-conscious patients, but they are more delicate than metal braces so we generally only recommend them for older teens and adults.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces, often called “hidden” braces, are positioned on the back sides of the teeth and are completely hidden from view. The brackets are connected with a very light wire that is custom-bent to place gentle force on teeth to align them. These allow for normal flossing as well. Timock Family Orthodontics is one of the few lingual braces providers in Colorado!
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
The Invisalign system consists of removable aligners that are customized to fit comfortably over the teeth. Like braces, these clear aligners gently move the teeth into the desired positions. This is accomplished by wearing them 20-22 hours per day throughout treatment. Each aligner will also need to be replaced for the next in the system every 1-2 weeks.
Invisalign offers patients an extra measure of flexibility. There are no food restrictions since aligners are removed when eating or drinking. This removability also makes it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy! You don’t have to work around wires and brackets, and can simply brush and floss the way you normally would.
All of these options can be a great fit for busy adults! You can trust Dr. Timock to recommend only the treatment method they feel will work best with your smile, lifestyle, and goals.
Get the beautiful smile you deserve with Timock Family Orthodontics
Timock Family Orthodontics is proud to offer patients the full package! Our expert team is committed to providing clear communication, compassionate care, and exceptional results. If you’re looking for more information on the many ways an aligned bite can benefit you, get in touch today to schedule a FREE exam with Dr. Timock and take the first step towards a healthier smile!