If you think of braces, the very first thought you think of could include straightening your teeth. But braces can do more than to straighten your smile. They also are a key factor in correcting the jaw’s alignment. If you’re thinking, “Can braces fix jaw alignment in adults? The answer is yes. Proper jaw alignment improves the overall health of your mouth regarding comfort and function. Thus, understanding the science behind how braces can help you achieve this and why proper jaw alignment is essential for your health is crucial.
What Is Proper Jaw Alignment?
Neutral jaw position is how your two lower and upper jaws are positioned when chewing. It’s the condition where your jaws are correctly placed to ensure your teeth fit as required when chewing, biting, and even talking. However, any malocclusion, including underbite, overbite, or crossbite, can cause many problems, from wear and tear to headaches and joint pains.
- A properly aligned jaw ensures maximum function and comfort.
- Uneven alignment of teeth can lead to discomfort and wearing.
- Problems when chewing or speaking.
The Function of Braces In Jaw Alignment In Adults
Braces come in a combination of wires, brackets, and elastic bands fixed gently between the teeth. When your teeth move along with the jaws, the foundations of bones at the jaws will soon change with the new postures. As time passes, the pressure also influences the jaw’s position, which helps it align correctly. Although this process is slow, it could dramatically improve your jaw’s health and bite.
- Braces utilize pressure to shift teeth to the correct position.
- They can affect the alignment of jaws by shifts of the jaw by shifting the teeth close.
- Braces improve the appearance and function of the teeth after removal.
Do Braces Fix Jaw Alignment? Yes, If Done Properly.
There are many methods by which braces can help correct jaw alignment.
- Braces may aid in repositioning upper teeth overlapping excessively with lower teeth.
- They can help push back the lower or upper teeth up to improve the bite.
- Braces aid in correcting the situation where teeth can bite the upper jaw teeth on the lower jaw.
- Braces gently move teeth to move the jaw back to a more comfortable position.
- This process needs constant pressure throughout the day to ensure jaw alignment with teeth.
- The jaw misalignment is fixed by repositioning both jaws and teeth to the correct position.
Can Braces Fix Jaw Alignment in Adults?
Some people believe braces only work intended for teenagers. However, adults are also able to get orthodontic treatments. Indeed, many adults choose to use braces for problems with jaw alignment. However, whether your problem arose through time or was present in childhood, braces can fix the issue and assist in achieving a better bite.
- Braces can be effective for adults and children.
- Adults may notice a significant improvement in the alignment of their jaws with braces.
- Adult braces may require a bit longer than those for children; however, they are equally efficient.
6 Reasons Why Proper Jaw Alignment Is Important?
A misaligned jaw can result in various issues, for example:
- It can cause pain and discomfort.
- Unbalanced jaws may cause uneven wear on your teeth.
- This can lead to premature erosion of enamel and tooth breakage.
- Misalignment may cause headaches.
- The jaw’s misalignment can cause difficulty chewing.
- A severe misalignment may cause sleep apnea.
As a result, a proper jaw alignment procedure is necessary.
What Is The Time Frame For Correcting Jaw Alignment Using Braces?
The effort spent to ensure the correct positioning of the jaws depends on the extent of misalignment, which could be with braces. While for some individuals, it could only take up to six months. Other people could even need many years. Braces are a process of slow retraining of your jaw to adopt an upright position, and therefore, following all the instructions given to you by the orthodontist is essential.
- Mild misalignments can take between 6 and 12 months to rectify.
- The most severe cases can take up to 3 years or more.
- It is crucial to keep track of appointments to track progress and adjust.
Three Major Types of Braces for Jaw Alignment
These braces are from the field of orthodontics and can be altered according to your needs and wants. The orthodontist you speak with will prescribe the best brace for the problems with how you live. The most popular braces are:
- Braces made of traditional metal: This is the most popular type of brace, renowned for its longevity and efficiency.
- Ceramic braces: These are similar to metal ones but less evident due to the tooth-coloured brackets.
- Invisalign: Clear aligners are virtually invisible, easily removed, and suitable for adult patients requiring less intense treatment.
Do Braces Fix Jaw Alignment?
Braces are a solution to jaw alignment and are mainly used with other therapies like jaw surgery, retainers, or surgical procedures for serious malalignments. Orthodontists customize the treatment plan for your needs to ensure that your jaw and teeth are in sync. It’s a straight smile and a healthy and functional dental bite that improves the overall quality of life.
- Braces work well to fix aligning teeth and jaw position.
- In extreme cases, braces can be a part of a complete treatment program, including surgical intervention.
- Orthodontists can tailor treatments according to your requirements and preferences.
Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics For Getting Braces For Jaw Alignment
Suppose you seek to improve your jaw’s alignment, either in childhood or as an adult. In that case, Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics will be of assistance. Our experienced orthodontists analyze your circumstances and design a customized strategy to adjust your smile and jaw to ensure optimal comfort and functionality. We have many braces solutions that fit your needs and ensure you will get the highest quality outcomes.
Conclusion
Correct jaw alignment isn’t simply about appearances but overall oral health regarding comfort and how your teeth interact. Whether you’re an adult teen, braces could aid in correcting misalignments and enhance your smile and bite. Finally, you’ll get the healthiest, most aligned teeth and confident smile through time and proper treatment at Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics.