
The perception that orthodontics is mainly for children or teenagers is changing rapidly. The number of adults seeking treatment for misaligned teeth is on the rise, especially with the development of less intrusive treatments like clear aligners.
Still, as an adult you may be wondering if having your teeth straightened is really worth the effort. There are good reasons to consider orthodontic treatment even when your teen years are well in your rear view mirror — and improving your smile is only just one of them.
To be sure, smile enhancement is an important reason. We place a high value on presenting our best appearance; indeed, our self-assurance and esteem suffers if we feel we have a less than pleasing smile. Adults who improve their smiles through orthodontics typically see a rise in confidence and an improvement in life attitudes that can have a positive impact on their social, career and financial development.
But there is another reason: as a general rule, misaligned teeth do not function as well. Biting, chewing and speaking may be more difficult. Over the long-term misaligned teeth and the resulting poor bite can have an adverse effect on nutrition, social skills and normal tooth wear.
What's more, misaligned teeth are more difficult to clean even with conscientious daily hygiene. Despite your best efforts, this can lead to increased plaque that causes tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. In regard to gums, misaligned teeth may be more prone to receding gums which further exposes teeth to harmful bacteria. Realigning teeth can vastly improve dental hygiene.
As with considering any dental procedure, the first step is a complete dental examination to measure the level of misalignment, as well as the current health of your teeth and gums. After that, we can discuss your orthodontic options for not only correcting your smile, but improving your oral hygiene which can have a pronounced improvement in your oral health as well.
If you would like more information on the benefits of orthodontic treatment, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Why Straighten Teeth.”
Comments:
Find Us
Joseph R. Hendrick, Jr., DDS, PA
Shelby, NC 28150

Request Appointment
Our office has flexible hours to fit your busy schedule
Patient Eductation

Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- December (5)
- When Crowns and Bridges Are Necessary
- Targeted Tooth Removal Could Aid Treatment for Certain Bite Problems
- Listen to Ellen DeGeneres: Don't Think You Can Get Away Without Flossing!
- Are You Interested in Dental Implants?
- No Time for a Makeover? Try These One-Visit Smile Enhancements Before the Holidays
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (66)
- cosmetic dentistry (9)
- orthodontics (12)
- headgear (1)
- Teeth Whitening (6)
- oral health (17)
- oral hygiene (26)
- Gum Disease (15)
- Dental Implants (17)
- thumb sucking (3)
- pediatric dentistry (13)
- dental hygiene (1)
- Clear Aligners (5)
- bridge (1)
- dental implant (5)
- chipped teeth (2)
- pregnancy (1)
- Teeth Cleanings (1)
- bad breath (1)
- retainers (3)
- tooth grinding (1)
- Veneers (3)
- laser dentistry (2)
- crowns (6)
- missing tooth (2)
- braces (14)
- periodontal disease (3)
- oral cancer (3)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- orthodontic treatment (21)
- smile makeover (3)
- dental anxiety (1)
- bacteria (1)
- wisdom teeth (6)
- Bridges (2)
- cracked mouth (1)
- mouthguards (5)
- restorative dentistry (4)
- bonding (1)
- root canal treatment (6)
- nutrition (2)
- Root Canal (3)
- apicoectomy (1)
- fluoride (2)
- tooth decay (6)
- emergency dentistry (1)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (2)
- invisalign (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental injury (6)
- teeth grinding (4)
- chipped tooth (4)
- air abrasion (1)
- dental crowns (2)
- dental bridges (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- x-rays (1)
- jaw pain (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- Root Canals (2)
- dry mouth (1)
- antibiotics (1)
- partial denture (1)
- periodontist (1)
- gummy smile (2)
- removable partial denture (1)
- Dental Visits (1)
- tads (1)
- Clear Braces (1)
- frenectomy (1)
- tooth pain (2)
- bone grafting (1)
- sports drinks (1)
- crown lengthening (1)
- dental sealants (1)
- teething (1)
- tooth loss (1)
- pain management (1)
- extraction (1)
- lingual braces (2)
- gum recession (1)
- facial pain (1)
- crown (1)
- toothbrush (1)
- athletic mouthguard (1)
- Oral Cancer Screenings (1)
- dental injuries (3)
- Oral Care (1)
- Routine (1)
- loose tooth (1)
- smoking (1)
- vaping (1)
- dry socket (1)
- sleep apnea (1)
- snoring (1)
- diabetes (1)
- extractions (1)