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 aren’t sure 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 the way patients think about treatment, and we’re seeing more adults than ever before. About 1 in every three current patients is over the age of 18, a record number in the field of orthodontics.
At Sturgill Orthodontics, we know it’s never too late to get a healthier, happier smile. We offer treatment options to correct various orthodontic problems like crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and incorrect jaw positioning. While the most commonly known benefit of treatment is a more attractive smile, there are also many lesser-known advantages to adult braces. Let’s take a look at some of the issues orthodontics can improve!
Better chewing
When your teeth and jaws are out of alignment, you can have difficulty correctly biting and chewing your food. This can contribute to excessive wear and tear on your teeth when left untreated. It may even lead to the muscles of the jaws weakening. Weakened muscles 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. 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 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, our doctors will be able to help identify any speech issues related to misalignment. They can also assess the severity of any problems 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 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. Orthodontic treatment at Sturgill 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 compensate for wrong positioning, the joints will respond, 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
- a jaw that seems to pop or “creak”
- pain in the jaw, neck, or shoulders
- sleep disorders
A personalized treatment plan from one of our doctors can help minimize 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 diverse treatment options
Whatever your reason for seeking orthodontic treatment in Johnson City, TN or Norton, VA as an adult, there are more options than ever before! We offer the following treatments in our offices for a total smile makeover.
Traditional metal braces
Traditional metal braces are an orthodontic staple and for a good reason! 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 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. Still, they are more delicate than metal braces, so our doctors generally only recommend them for older teens and adults.
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
The Invisalign system consists of removable aligners customized to fit comfortably over your teeth. These clear aligners gently move teeth into the desired positions like braces. This is accomplished by wearing them 20-22 hours per day throughout treatment as directed by your orthodontist. Each aligner will need to be replaced for the next system every 1-2 weeks.
Invisalign offers patients extra flexibility since there are no food restrictions. Your aligners are removed when eating or drinking, making it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy! You don’t have to work around wires and brackets; brush and floss the way you usually would.
All of these options can be a great fit for busy adults! You can trust Sturgill Orthodontics to recommend only the treatment method they feel will work best with your smile, lifestyle, and goals. 
Get the beautiful smile you deserve with Sturgill Orthodontics
Sturgill Orthodontics is proud to offer patients the total package in Johnson City and Norton! 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. Sturgill, Dr. Williams, Dr. Harper, or Dr. Storie, and take the first step towards a healthier smile!