Some adults have the mistaken notion that orthodontic treatment is unnecessary beyond a certain age. Others think braces are only suitable for the teenage years and maybe a few ages after that. This is wrong. Orthodontic treatment is necessary to correct bite problems and there’s a solution regardless of age. Before discussing the orthodontic choices available to patients, it’s important to get a clear idea of why bite correction is a must and important to your overall dental well being.

Many people have misaligned bites. It’s a dental dilemma experienced by numerous patients. Whether it’s an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, this condition may affect the overall health and functionality of your entire mouth. Some problems associated with malocclusions include the following:

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder – TMJ is one of the most prominent effects of an improper bite. This is characterized by the clicking or popping of the jaw whenever you open and close your mouth. In severe cases, opening and closing the mouth may become difficult, and some patients even report a ringing in the ear.

Muscle Pain – More than discomfort in the jaw, improper bites may also lead to sinus pain and headaches. Sometimes the pain and discomfort extends all the way to the neck and shoulders.

Onset of Other Oral Problems –Toothaches and other pain are definite effects of malocclusions. Sometimes it gets to the point where chewing and speaking become difficult, and you may even experience grinding or clenching your teeth. When this and other problems become evident, you need to get help immediately.

Orthodontic Alliances is your partner for effective care to avoid these problems and address malocclusions. Many adult patients come in conscious about getting regular braces, when there really isn’t any need to be. Think about this: traditional braces are slightly more effective at moving teeth than clear braces. This is important especially if you’re dealing with a complicated case. There’s no need to be embarrassed, especially when you consider the fact that more people now – young and old alike – are using these dental appliances.

Schedule an appointment today to learn more about the orthodontic treatment that will suit your unique dental situation best. We look forward to meeting and helping you soon!