Benefits of Getting Orthodontic Treatment as an Adult

One of the biggest reasons adults shy away from orthodontic treatment is that they think it’s only for kids or teens. This is simply not the case. Many adults struggle with oral hygiene, uneven tooth wear from a misaligned bite, TMJ symptoms, and self-confidence issues because they weren’t able to get orthodontic treatment when they were younger. The truth is, age is rarely a factor when considering orthodontic treatment. In fact, getting braces as an adult is highly recommended to help prevent future dental problems. 

Continue reading to learn how practical and health-focused adult orthodontic treatment is and where to find the best orthodontist in Sheboygan to guide your treatment.

Four Reasons to Consider Braces in Adulthood

Adult orthodontic care is the best way to improve your oral health and protect your teeth and gums from future problems. The top benefits of getting braces as an adult include:

1. Easier Oral Hygiene

When teeth are crowded or misaligned, keeping them properly cleaned can be difficult. Even with the best brushing and flossing techniques, plaque and tartar can hide in between severely crowded teeth and in narrow corners where bristles struggle to reach. Getting straighter teeth makes oral hygiene so much easier. With better alignment, flossing also becomes less frustrating. Over time, this ability to keep your teeth and gums cleaner will lower your risk of tooth decay and gingivitis, which can lead to gum disease. 

2. Preventing Excess Wear on Teeth

When your bite is off, even just a tiny bit, your teeth do not share the workload evenly. Over time, that uneven bite pressure can wear down enamel more quickly in specific areas, leaving edges flattened, rough, or slightly see-through. This matters because once enamel is gone, it does not come back. This leaves you with misshapen teeth and a higher risk of tooth decay. Orthodontic treatment prevents that kind of wear by correcting how the teeth meet, so biting forces spread out across more teeth instead of grinding away at the same few points every day. With a more balanced bite, there is less stress on individual teeth, which can lower the risk of chips, cracks, and the long-term damage that can lead to more invasive and costly fixes, such as dental crowns or bridges.

3. Reduced Risk of Cavities and Gum Disease

Crowded teeth leave you at a higher risk of cavities and gum disease by making oral hygiene less effective. With better dental alignment, there are fewer hard-to-reach crevices where plaque can accumulate. Over the long run, cleaner tooth surfaces and healthier gums can lower your risk of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and needing restorative dentistry down the road.

4. Less Strain on the Jaw and Reduction in TMJ Symptoms

If your bite does not line up well, your jaw muscles have to work extra hard, often leaving them tight and tired. Some people even develop additional symptoms of TMJ disorder, including: 

• Dull ache near the ears
• A stiff jaw that takes a few minutes to loosen 
• Popping and clicking sounds when they chew
• A Jaw that locks up every once in a while
• Tension headaches 

Bite correction through orthodontic treatment can realign your bite so your jaw does not have to shift or strain every time you close your mouth. It is not a guaranteed cure for TMJ problems, but improving alignment can remove one common source of stress on the joint and the muscles around it.

Orthodontic Treatment Options for Adults

In the Lakeshore Area, there are two great options for getting the best braces in Sheboygan: 

• Invisalign for adults is a treatment option that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gently shift your teeth over time. Many adults like that they are subtle and easy to take out for meals, brushing, and flossing. The trade-off is that you have to wear them consistently for 20 to 22 hours every day for them to work as planned. 
• Traditional metal braces use small brackets and a wire that stays on your teeth. They can be a great choice for more complex bite issues because they work around the clock without relying on you to remember to use them. You cannot remove them, so cleaning takes a little more care, but they are durable and highly effective. There are also clear bracket options to help make traditional metal braces less noticeable. 

Choosing the best option for you takes a detailed evaluation with an orthodontist and an honest conversation about your orthodontic needs, timeline, and what will be easiest to fit into your life.

Finding the Best Orthodontist in Sheboygan for Adult Braces

If you’re struggling with your smile confidence or oral health, getting adult braces may be the best and easiest solution for you. At Just Orthodontics, Dr. Ethan and Dr. Jeff are experts in adult orthodontics, having served Northeastern Wisconsin and the Lakeshore area for generations. With adult orthodontic treatment options like American Orthodontics Empower® adult braces and Invisalign, we keep the process easy, comfortable, and efficient.