Adult Treatment & Braces
If you live in Fort Myers or Cape Coral, FL, adult orthodontic patients are more common than you might think. Even when a person’s mouth is done developing, that doesn’t mean it isn’t constantly changing. If you want to avoid larger dental issues in the future, like tooth decay or gum disease, the right dentist can help you get the treatment you need.
The Dangers of Misaligned Teeth
There might be a myriad of reasons why a person might not seek orthodontics in their childhood or teen years. Not least of which they might not even need it. Teeth can move for several reasons, including ongoing pressure from surrounding teeth, blunt trauma, smoking, tongue thrusting, or certain prescription medications. The longer these conditions go unaddressed, the more likely a person will end up with either a crooked smile or pain while biting or chewing.
Orthodontics in Fort Myers, FL
If you’ve ever assumed it’s too late to see a dentist about either your cosmetic or health concerns, it’s time to rethink what orthodontia is. More than just a pre-teen with a mouthful of metal, adult treatment, and braces can correct any of the following:
- Bites: Over- and underbites occur when the front teeth do not align with the bottom teeth. With an overbite, there is excessive overlap with the back teeth. With an underbite, the lower teeth will rest ahead of the front teeth.
- Crowding: Crowded teeth are defined by the size and number of teeth compared to the bones underneath. The more crowded your teeth are, the more difficult it will be to floss and brush them properly.
- Protruding teeth: If one or more of your teeth sticks out, usually one of the ones at the arch or top of the mouth, braces can help gently push the tooth back into place.
Adult orthodontic patients tend to see residual benefits from correcting these issues. For instance, a bite condition can lead to jaw pain, and braces can either alleviate the pain or prevent it from occurring in the first place.
If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Cape Coral or Fort Myers, Richards & Associates Orthodontics has two locations to serve you. The sooner you take care of it, the more likely you will enjoy better oral health for the rest of your life.
