Misaligned jaws carry significant oral health consequences, with repercussions extending beyond aesthetics. For the adult seeking ways to correct and enhance function, braces are sometimes considered an option. Do braces fix your jaw? And under what circumstances may they fall short? This blog post explores those topics, offering you some guidance on what braces can do and when other solutions will be needed.
Understanding Jaw Alignment and Why It’s Important
Jaw alignment refers to the manner in which the upper and lower jaw meet. Under ideal circumstances, they overlap to permit efficient chewing, clear articulation, and equal pressure on the tooth and supporting structures. Misalignment, or more popularly referred to as malocclusion, may exist in the form of overbites, underbites, crossbites, or open bites.
Jaw misalignment can lead to issues like uneven wear on teeth, jaw aches (TMD or temporomandibular disorders), and even headaches in adults. Not only does correcting the condition enhance appearance, but it also serves health purposes in the long term.
Can Braces Correct Jaw Misalignment in Adults?
Can braces fix jaw alignment in adults? Adult orthodontics has progressed much over the last few years and is no longer restricted to teens. Braces are frequently able to align jaws with mild to moderate misalignment by gradually repositioning teeth into more correct positions. Realignment makes it possible for better space for enhanced bite function and enhanced jaw alignment in the future.
Braces use wires and brackets (or clear aligners like Spark) to continuously push the jaws and teeth into position. In certain adults with particular malocclusion, this alone can produce phenomenal results without surgery.
For example, jaw alignment braces can effectively correct overbites if the underlying cause is crooked teeth. Crossbites caused by teeth not in their normal positions, compared to skeletal crossbites, can also be effectively corrected with braces. The solution is in an accurate diagnosis by a qualified orthodontist to determine whether or not braces are the solution in your case.
Limitations of Braces for Jaw Alignment
While braces are highly effective, they cannot correct all alignment problems, particularly where there is a structural jaw imbalance. When very serious skeletal imbalances in adults occur, braces are insufficient on their own. An overwhelmingly prominent underbite caused by a jaw that is seriously undersized, for example, will most likely require surgery and braces to work optimally.
Similarly, dental braces for jaw alignment can fracture in more severe open bites that are less the product of crooked teeth than skeletal misalignments. These can be dealt with by a two-part plan approach, bridging together braces with orthognathic surgery or another treatment to properly align.
Can braces move your jaw? Age is also rezsponsible for the difficulty of treatment. While teenagers’ and children’s bones are still developing and soft, the bones of adults have already attained maturity, and this can limit the ability of certain treatments.
What to Do Next
If you’re an adult dealing with jaw misalignment and considering braces, the first step is to schedule a consultation with a board certified orthodontist. Whether you live locally or you’re searching for Palm Beach Gardens orthodontic services, professional advice is essential. They can assess your individual case, explain your options, and recommend the best course of action for achieving your desired results. Whether braces alone will suffice or other treatments are required, professional guidance is key to ensuring a successful outcome.
While jaw alignment problems can be overwhelming, modern orthodontics has many adult-oriented solutions. With proper treatment, it is possible to acquire a healthier, more functional smile.