According to the AAO (American Association of Orthodontists), one in four orthodontic patients is an adult. The growing number of options for braces makes orthodontic treatment for adults more popular. Properly aligned teeth are important at any age, not just for appearance but also for health. Well-aligned teeth are easier to clean and less susceptible to abnormal wear on the enamel. Furthermore, a better bite allows you to eat better and speak more clearly, maintaining an overall healthier smile. Therefore, pediatric and adults orthodontic services are a must.This article will discuss the best age to start adults orthodontics. Read on to find out more.Some adults never received orthodontic treatment as children to correct problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, and underbites, incorrect jaw position, or jaw joint disorders. If left untreated, these problems can result in tooth decay, gum disease, headaches, and earaches, as well as speaking, biting, or chewing problems.Besides, as you get older, there will be a loss of collagen. This affects the skin and leads to reduced volume and hollowness in the face. However, it affects the mouth as well by making your lower teeth more visible with age. Further, it can also cause the teeth to move and become loose or crooked.Regardless of your age, you would want to be healthy and look good. Getting braces for adults over 50 will not only help you get straighter teeth but also promote dental health. As you get older, there will be natural wear and tear of the teeth, which is why it is important to preserve the natural teeth. Getting braces now will ensure fewer dental treatments in the future. Poor oral health is also linked to other health issues like stroke and heart disease. So, getting braces at 50 will ensure that your overall health is also maintained.Getting braces after 50 will fix your crooked teeth or if the previously straightened teeth returned to their original positions. You must consider orthodontic treatment if you have:
- Difficulty chewing food
- Speech Issues
- Bite problems
- If food gets stuck in between the gaps of your teeth
- Swollen Gums
Like children, adults can receive the same benefits of an improved smile and oral health from wearing braces. However, since adults are no longer growing, treatment may take longer than it does for teenagers. The average adult wears braces for 18 months to three years. After braces are removed, you may need to wear a retainer to maintain the results of your treatment.Most adults lead busy lives, and some professionals have to make presentations and speeches often. So, adults want their teeth straightened in a matter of months instead of waiting a year or a year and a half to get the smile they want.Adults often consider the option of six-month braces. Patients have to find out if they are candidates for the treatment. Orthodontists will consult with patients and assess their teeth and gums to determine if six-month braces are an option. While the results are impressive, six-month braces are not designed to fix major orthodontic issues. This treatment is mainly cosmetic, so while it may work for some patients, other individuals may have to receive more extensive orthodontic services. These types of braces can only be installed in a healthy mouth. Sometimes, the orthodontist will suggest that patients improve the health of their gums and teeth before getting these braces. Getting a root canal, thoroughly cleaning the teeth, and gums and treatment for gums disease may be necessary before getting six-month braces.You can consider four adult braces options:
- Metal Braces: These dental braces have brackets and wires that are made of high-grade stainless steel. They are attached to the front of the teeth. These are a good option if you have an extreme case of malocclusion.
- Clear Ceramic Braces: These are made to match the color of the teeth. Clear ceramic braces are less noticeable because they blend in easily with the teeth.
- Lingual Braces: They are attached to the back of the teeth to keep them hidden. These are a great option if you are looking for completely invisible braces.
- Invisalign Clear Braces: Invisalign is clear braces that are customized to align crooked teeth. They are virtually invisible and completely removable, making it convenient to remove them while eating. You can even take them out to brush and floss comfortably and clean the braces. This is a good adult braces option if you have spacing problems between your teeth. To learn more about our invisalign services click here.
Thanks to the advancement in dental technology, getting braces as an adult is now an affordable option. Since there are several options available, you can choose the one that suits your pocket.Moreover, as an adult, you would be financially more stable to afford dental braces. If it felt like an expensive option earlier, it is more attainable now. So, go ahead and fix your misaligned teeth like you always wanted to.People of all ages want to be confident about how they look and feel. If you spent all your life hiding your crooked smile, you can change that now. Getting braces as an adult will help straighten your teeth, boost your self-esteem and gain confidence in your smile.There are some side effects to be aware of if you are considering braces as an adult. Teeth and gum pain are common, especially when your mouth is getting used to the braces. Temporomandibular dysfunction or TMD is also a common side effect of orthodontic coverage adults. Root resorption can occur as a result of wearing braces. Risk resorption risk factors include the length of time you wear the braces, the shape of the root, hygiene habits, and even genetic predisposition. Your orthodontist will explain these side effects to you in detail so you will know the risks, but the benefits usually outweigh the side effects.There are some oral rinses and orthodontic waxes you can use to minimize discomfort until your teeth and gums are accustomed to the braces.So this is all you need to know about orthodontic for adults. To conclude, many people assume that dental braces are only for children and teenagers. Not true! People of any age can turn to orthodontic treatment, even those who are over the age of 50. It is crucial to fix the wrong bite and other dental imperfections before they get more serious as one gets older. Now that you know the orthodontist definition, do not hesitate to make an appointment!