Here at Feil Orthodontics, we often hear from adults who have spent years feeling unhappy about the appearance or function of their teeth. Many worry that the chance of improving their smile is long gone, and they’ll be stuck feeling self-conscious about it forever. If this sounds like you, we have good news—it’s never too late to achieve a healthier, more confident smile!
More adults are exploring how orthodontic treatment can help correct crooked teeth, overbites, and underbites. Although the most obvious benefit of treatment is a beautifully straight smile, there are many lesser-known advantages to adult braces in our Bismarck, Mandan, and Beulah offices. We’ll explore some of these below, so keep reading to learn more!
Improved chewing & digestion
It can be difficult to bite and chew your food effectively when your teeth and jaws are out of alignment. If left untreated over time, it can contribute to excessive wear and tear on your teeth and may weaken the muscles of the jaws. This can cause painful chewing, which has the potential to exacerbate any issues you’re already having.
You may be surprised to find a connection between your stomach and your smile, but it’s important. Your teeth are a crucial component of the digestive process, and chewing your food is the first step. Your whole digestive system can suffer if you can’t chew properly because of misaligned teeth.
When your teeth can’t properly break down food, it will pass through the digestive system much more slowly. Chewing may also be painful if you’re experiencing tooth or jaw pain related to a bad bite. This may even limit what and how often you can eat.
Improved speech
The alignment of your teeth and jaws can affect your speech. 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 an experienced orthodontist, Dr. Feil can identify speech issues related to misaligned teeth. He’ll also assess the severity of these issues and create an effective treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals.
Improved jaw alignment
Misaligned teeth can have a noticeable effect on your jaw muscles and joints. If the jaws are forced to compensate for bad positioning, the joints will adapt in response. However, the new position will often cause further damage. This is why we tend to see both jaw issues and misaligned teeth in patients. 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
The personalized treatment plan Dr. Feil creates for you will help minimize or even eliminate these symptoms by properly aligning your teeth and jaws. This approach will give you a smile that feels as good as it looks!
Improved oral health
Improved oral healthBrushing and flossing are essential for maintaining oral health, but when your teeth are crooked or crowded, they can be difficult to clean. This can cause a build-up of plaque and bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, cavities, and gingivitis.
While these are common dental ailments, they’re also preventable! Orthodontic treatment with Feil Orthodontics can move the teeth into more optimal positions, making it much easier to maintain an effective oral hygiene routine.
Treatment options for every smile
Our cutting-edge technology and efficient techniques in our offices in Bismarck, Mandan, and Beulah give adult patients more treatment options than ever. These are more comfortable and customizable than ever before, so Dr. Feil can give you the results you desire without surgery or extractions in most cases. We offer the following treatments for a total smile transformation.
Traditional metal braces
Traditional metal braces are an orthodontic staple and with good reason! This is one of Dr. Feil’s 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.
These braces work the same way as traditional braces but use clear, white, or tooth-colored brackets. For an almost invisible treatment option, we can use them with matching elastics or ties! This makes them a good choice if you’re concerned about the appearance of your treatment. Clear brackets are more delicate than metal braces, so we generally recommend them only for older teen and adult patients in Bismarck, Mandan, and Beulah.
Invisalign
The Invisalign system uses a series of clear removable aligners to move the teeth instead of brackets and wires. These are made of a soft but strong thermoplastic resin material and customized to fit comfortably over your teeth. For Invisalign treatment to succeed, the aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours each day and switched out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks.
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can eat and drink whatever you want while in treatment. Your oral hygiene routine will be a whole lot easier, too! Adult patients at Feil Orthodontics love the freedom and flexibility that Invisalign aligners offer them.
All of these options can be a great fit for busy adults! You can trust Dr. Feil to recommend the treatment method they feel will work best with your smile, lifestyle, and goals.
Get the smile you’ve always wanted with Feil Orthodontics
Get the smile you’ve always wanted with Feil OrthodonticsFeil Orthodontics is proud to offer patients the full package: expert care, clear communication, a rewarding orthodontic experience, and exceptional results. If you’d like to learn more about how an aligned bite can benefit you, get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation at our office in Bismarck, Mandan, or Beulah!