Correction of bite in adults: better late than never
Statistics are disappointing: about 80% of people in the world have crooked teeth of one degree or another. We can not condemn the parents who are in no hurry to show their child to an orthodontist at a time when it is much easier to correct bite defects.
It’s important to understand that as an adult there is nothing to stop you from correcting those smile imperfections that you’ve been ashamed of since childhood and that still prevent you from smiling openly and naturally. The main thing now – is to act! And we will try to help you with it.
Why it is important to correct bite at any age
The aesthetic problem of crooked teeth is not always the main or only reason to visit an orthodontist. Crooked teeth lead to many functional problems that need immediate treatment, such as periodontitis, poor articulation, bruxism, persistent headaches, or clicking of the temporomandibular joint when chewing.
Due to improper clamping of the upper and lower jaw, the teeth are subjected to increased erosion, and food is not chewed thoroughly. This negatively affects the gastrointestinal tract. Besides, a wrong bite does not allow to carry out high-quality oral hygiene in home conditions: plaque accumulates in the problematic areas, which will sooner or later cause plaque or tooth decay.
If in the future you will need an implant or orthopedic structure, the doctor will primarily recommend you undergo orthodontic treatment. If you have an incorrect bite, crowns, and implants will not last long, which means that money spent on treatment will be wasted. And it will not have a positive impact on health. So do not put off going to the orthodontist, especially since modern dentistry has all the necessary tools to make your teeth straight and beautiful, regardless of your age.
Different types of malocclusion in adults
A proper bite is characterized by a clear and tight alignment of the upper and lower jaws, with the upper incisors overlapping the lower ones by 1/3. The position of the teeth is regular, with the front incisors exactly centered. No gaps, interdental spaces, chipping, rotation, or crowding should not be. Any deviation from the norm is a bite anomaly, which must be treated.
Poor ecology, genetics, early removal of baby teeth, lack of vitamins, and even bad habits can cause the development of malocclusion.
Dentists distinguish the following types of malocclusions:
Distal bite
Formed by underdevelopment of the lower jaw or overdevelopment of the upper jaw. When the teeth close, the upper incisors protrude significantly forward. Distal bite is visible to the naked eye: the proportions of the face are disturbed, and the chin looks small. It also affects the chewing and swallowing function and causes lisping and other speech disorders.
Mesial bite
The main characteristic is the overdevelopment of the lower jaw, which causes the lower teeth to protrude significantly in front of the upper teeth. The front teeth hardly ever touch, and the masticatory teeth do not come together correctly. An unattractive, bulky chin is what separates someone with a mesial bite from the crowd. Although this anomaly is considered to be a difficult one, even in adulthood good results can be achieved with proper treatment. The main thing is to be patient and set a clear goal.
Crossbite
Characterized by poor development of one side of either jaw, with the lower jaw pointing to the right or left. Pronounced asymmetry of the face, painfulness when opening the mouth, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and chronic periodontal disease are only some of the consequences of a crossbite that can affect health and quality of life.
Open bite
Diagnosed when the jaws do not close in the area of the front and sometimes the lateral teeth. A permanently half-open mouth and lack of contact between the upper and lower teeth lead to problems with chewing, breathing, swallowing, various speech disorders, dryness, and throat fretting. In some cases, treatment of an open bite requires the involvement of several specialists, which in addition to orthodontists may include surgeons, ENT doctors, and speech therapists.
Deep bite
In this bite anomaly, the incisors of the upper row overlap the lower rows by more than 1/3. There are several stages of a deep bite. The last stage in which the lower teeth are constantly in contact with the mucous membrane of the palate and gums, leading to the development of chronic gingivitis, stomatitis, or periodontitis, is the most traumatic and difficult to cure. A person with a deep bite has difficulty biting and chewing food, and speaks very incomprehensibly, as if through your teeth.
If your bite is particularly severe and conservative treatment fails, you may need to have surgery.
Surely you have already had an examination in the mirror and were able to determine for yourself the type of bite that nature has “awarded” you. If not, make an appointment with an orthodontist right away. But be sure that modern dentistry in any, even the most complex and unusual situation can help you join the number of the lucky ones who can boast of their perfectly straight teeth.
How Braces Correct Your Bite
The most effective method of correcting bite anomalies in adults is braces. All braces consist of locks, ligatures, and an arch. Using dental cement, the brace is bonded to each tooth. The ligatures help secure the arch to the locks, which are initially shaped to fit the correct bite. The simultaneous operation of all elements of the system creates even pressure on the teeth, moving each to its proper place. With a professional approach and adherence to all doctor’s recommendations, orthodontic treatment will result in a long-awaited beautiful smile.
Timing of bite correction
How long will I have to wear braces? This question worries many adults before the start of treatment. You should be prepared for the fact that after the age of 25, when the dentoalveolar system is fully developed, it takes longer to achieve the desired results.
The duration of orthodontic treatment depends more on the complexity of the bite pathology than on the choice of one design or another. For example, to correct small crowding of teeth, you can receive treatment in six months, but with more serious defects in the teeth, you will need to wear braces for 1-2 years. But a perfect smile is worth it!
Cost of bite correction
The price of bite correction is the main factor for many patients when choosing a bracket system. Classic metal braces are the most affordable, but oddly enough, the most reliable and easy to care for: their cost depends on the manufacturer. The most expensive among them are Damon Clear ceramic self-ligating bracket systems. Correction of a bite by lingual braces will require considerable financial expenses. But the fact that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment will be known only by you and your doctor because these braces are invisible to those around you.
The prices of braces are very diverse. There are budget options and more expensive, luxury options – choose exactly what fits your financial capabilities. And don’t forget to include the preparatory phase, diagnosis, and regular check-ups in the total cost of treatment.
Do you want to save money on your braces? Our advice: keep an eye out for special promotions – this is a great opportunity to fix your bite at a bargain price.
What braces to choose
In terms of functionality, all braces are equally good at fixing your bite. The only difference is their comfort. The more expensive and modern braces are, the more aesthetic and comfortable they are.
You just need to make up your mind:
How important are you to your appearance (metal braces, while noticeable on the teeth, look much more aesthetically pleasing than their predecessors)
How much money are you willing to spend on treatment?
At the consultation, the orthodontist will help you to choose the right braces: he will show you each type of system and tell you about its features and advantages.
Still, have questions? Ask us.
Even with classic metal braces, it is possible to achieve ideal treatment results. The main thing is to choose a competent specialist and a good clinic such as DMC Tour.
During the consultation, we will help you choose the most effective orthodontic system for your case, calculate the cost of treatment, determine the exact timing, and conduct necessary diagnostics. Remember: it’s never too late to get your smile perfect, even if you are 30, 40, or 50 years old!
