For many residents in Arlington Heights and Deerfield, the mention of orthodontic treatment immediately brings to mind images of middle school students with metal brackets. However, at Jarosz & Valente Orthodontics, we have seen a significant shift in recent years. Today, approximately one in four orthodontic patients is an adult. While a straighter smile is a major confidence booster, the decision to seek treatment after age 40 is increasingly driven by a desire for better long term oral health and systemic wellness. Our team is dedicated to showing patients that whether you are 14 or 64, a healthy, aligned smile is within reach.
Teeth are not fixed in stone; they are held in place by living tissue and bone that changes throughout your life. Even if you had braces as a teenager, you may notice what we call “relapse,” where teeth begin to crowd, gap, or rotate. This occurs due to natural physiological changes, the loss of bone density, or the lingering effects of habits like teeth grinding. In Arlington Heights and Deerfield, our adult patients often present with lower anterior crowding, where the front bottom teeth become increasingly bunched together. This is not just a cosmetic annoyance; it is a clinical concern that can lead to accelerated tooth wear and periodontal issues.
The Four Health Pillars of Adult Orthodontics
When we align a smile for an adult patient at our Deerfield or Arlington Heights offices, we are focusing on much more than aesthetics. We are addressing four critical pillars of health that impact your quality of life.
1. Periodontal Health and Oral Hygiene
Crowded or overlapping teeth are significantly harder to clean. These misalignments create nooks and crannies that toothbrush bristles and dental floss simply cannot reach effectively. Over time, plaque and tartar build up in these hidden areas, leading to chronic inflammation, gingivitis, and eventually periodontitis (gum disease). Periodontal disease has been linked to various systemic health issues, including heart disease and diabetes. By straightening the teeth, we make daily hygiene more effective, which is the best defense against tooth loss as you age.
2. Reducing TMJ Strain and Jaw Pain
An improper bite, or malocclusion, means your upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly when you chew or close your mouth. This forces your jaw muscles and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to work harder to compensate. Many adults find that after completing orthodontic treatment at Jarosz & Valente Orthodontics, their frequent tension headaches or jaw clicking significantly subside because the bite is finally balanced. Aligning the jaw can reduce the chronic strain on these muscles, leading to a much more comfortable daily experience.
3. Preventing Abnormal Tooth Wear
When teeth are misaligned, they often collide in ways they were not designed for. This leads to abnormal wear facets, where the protective enamel is ground down prematurely. This can make teeth sensitive to temperature, prone to cracking, and more susceptible to decay. Orthodontics ensures that the force of your bite is distributed evenly across all teeth, preserving your natural tooth structure for the long haul.
4. Enhancing Future Restorative Outcomes
If you need a dental implant or a bridge from your general dentist, they may recommend you see an orthodontist first. Often, the teeth surrounding a gap have tilted or shifted into the empty space over time. Orthodontics can upright these teeth and create the perfect amount of space for a successful, long lasting dental restoration. By preparing the site correctly, we ensure that your dentist can provide the best possible result.
Discreet Orthodontic Solutions for Professionals
One of the biggest hurdles for adults in the Arlington Heights area is the visual aspect of traditional braces. At Jarosz & Valente Orthodontics, we offer several discreet solutions tailored for a professional lifestyle. Invisalign is a clear, removable aligner system that is virtually invisible, allowing you to maintain your professional appearance while undergoing treatment. For those who require the precision of traditional braces, we offer clear ceramic brackets that blend in with the natural color of your teeth. Furthermore, using modern technology, we can often shorten the duration of adult treatment, ensuring you reach your goals faster than was possible in decades past.
Your Orthodontic Journey in Arlington Heights and Deerfield
Choosing orthodontics after 40 is a proactive investment in your future health. During your initial consultation at Jarosz & Valente Orthodontics, we use digital scanning technology to create a 3D model of your teeth. This means no messy putty impressions and a much more comfortable experience from the start. We can show you exactly how your teeth will move and provide a preview of your final result. Whether you visit us at our Arlington Heights or Deerfield location, you will find a team dedicated to making your adult orthodontic journey efficient and life changing.
Frequently Asked Questions for Adult Patients
- Will treatment take longer because I am an adult? While adult bone is denser than a child’s, modern techniques allow us to move teeth efficiently. Many adult cases are completed in 12 to 22 months.
- Can I still get braces if I have missing teeth? Yes. In fact, orthodontics is often used to move remaining teeth into the correct position before a bridge or implant is placed.
- Is Invisalign as effective as braces? For many adult cases, Invisalign is incredibly effective. During your consultation, we will determine which option is best for your specific dental anatomy.
