Have you spent years feeling self-conscious about your smile but have concerns that the chance for improving it has passed? Are you uncomfortable with how your teeth look or feel but unsure if orthodontic treatment is available at your age? Has it become challenging 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 questions above, adult braces could be the perfect solution! While orthodontic treatment was viewed as a rite of passage for teens, there’s been a recent shift in how patients think, and we’re treating more adults than ever. About 1 in every three current patients is over 18, a record number in the field of orthodontics.
At Innovative Orthodontics, we know it’s never too late to achieve a healthier, happier smile. Modern treatment options in Savannah, Rincon, and Pooler offices 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!
Comfortable chewing
When your teeth and jaws are out of alignment, you might have difficulty correctly biting and chewing your food. If 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. Orthodontic treatment can align your teeth and jaw so they work together correctly to make chewing more comfortable.
Improved digestion
You may be surprised to find 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. 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 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 experienced orthodontists, Dr. Waters and Dr. Clayton can identify any misalignment-related speech issues. They’ll assess the severity of any problems and then devise the most effective solution for you based on your specific needs.
Improved oral health
Brushing and flossing are essential for any dental hygiene routine. But when teeth are crooked, crowded, or overlapping, they can be challenging 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. Treatment from Dr. Waters and Dr. Clayton at Innovative Orthodontics can help move the teeth into more optimal positions, making it 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 have to compensate for wrong positioning, the joints will respond, but often be in a way that can cause further damage. This is why we see jaw issues and misaligned teeth in a patient together. Some of the symptoms you may experience with improper jaw alignment are:
- headaches or migraines
- a jaw that seems to pop or “creak”
- pain in the jaw, neck, or shoulders
- sleep disorders
Personalized treatment plans from Dr. Waters and Dr. Clayton can help reduce or 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!
More treatment options for your smile
Whatever your reason for seeking adult orthodontic treatment in Savannah, Rincon, or Pooler, there are more options than ever! We offer the following treatments in our office for a total smile makeover.
Traditional metal braces
Traditional metal braces are an orthodontic staple in Savannah, Rincon, and Pooler! 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
Clear braces function the same way as traditional braces 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 if you’re concerned about the appearance of braces. Still, they are more delicate than metal braces, so Dr. Waters and Dr. Clayton recommend them for older teens and adults.
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
The Invisalign system consists of removable aligners customized to fit comfortably over the teeth. These clear aligners gently move the teeth into the desired positions using constant force. This is accomplished by wearing them 20-22 hours per day throughout treatment as directed by Dr. Waters or Dr. Clayton. Each aligner will also need to be replaced for the next system every 1-2 weeks.
Invisalign gives you an extra measure of flexibility. There are no food restrictions since aligners are removed when eating or drinking. This removability makes it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy! You don’t have to work around wires and brackets; brush and floss as you usually would.
All of these options can be a great fit for busy adults! You can trust Dr. Waters and Dr. Clayton to recommend only the treatment method they feel will work best with your smile, lifestyle, and goals.
Get the beautiful smile you deserve with Innovative Orthodontics
Innovative Orthodontics is proud to offer patients the total package in Savannah, Rincon, and Pooler! Our expert team is committed to providing clear communication, compassionate care, and exceptional results. If you’re looking for more information on how an aligned bite can benefit you, get in touch today to schedule a FREE exam with Dr. Waters or Dr. Clayton and take the first step towards a healthier smile!