Braces are commonly associated with children who require orthodontic treatment. However, it’s becoming more common for adults to receive them to improve their appearance or function. The main reason for this shift toward “older” patients is the advancement of the materials used to create them. There are no definitive studies that indicate how old is too old for them. Still, many dentists, doctors, and orthodontists agree that having them as an adult is just as safe and effective, if not better, than getting them in childhood. In this article, we will look at five reasons you should consider braces as an adult.
1) They are more comfortable
Many adults seek orthodontic treatment because they want their teeth straightened but don’t want to wear unattractive ones that spoil their appearance. Fortunately, one of the most significant advancements in orthodontics has been the introduction of clear ceramic ones, which are nearly invisible when placed on the teeth. Orthodontists have also found ways to make even traditional metal brackets virtually invisible using tooth-colored ceramic brackets and invisible or transparent ties made of a more pliable material. The result is that you can straighten your teeth without worrying about how it will affect your appearance.
2) They may help you maintain good oral health
Another reason why many adults have orthodontic treatment is that their teeth are overcrowded or crooked, which leads to poor oral hygiene, increased decay, and gum disease. As the teeth become crowded, they tend to shift faster and faster over time, making it more challenging to clean them properly. In some cases, crowding can increase cavities because the upper molars no longer touch each other as they should when chewing food. This results in pockets between teeth where debris accumulates and becomes a “safe haven” for bacteria to grow and cause decay. These pockets are also more difficult for patients to clean by themselves, leading to gum disease. When teeth are straightened , they tend to remain in place longer and promote better oral hygiene because the teeth are easier to clean.
3) They align the jaw
One of the main reasons many adults want orthodontic treatment is that their jaws no longer line up correctly. This condition is called malocclusion, which means your upper and lower jaws aren’t positioned harmoniously when biting together. Malocclusion can cause significant pain over time and make it difficult for you to chew properly—which could lead to poor nutrition habits related to chewing certain foods or not eating at all. This is particularly common in older adults who move into nursing homes and need to be fed. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment can realign the jaws and make them easier to chew again.
4) They align the teeth
If your upper and lower front teeth aren’t touching when biting together, that’s another reason why you should consider getting aligners as an adult. This condition is called a diastema, where there is a space between the upper front teeth that we refer to as an “open bite.” Teeth don’t always grow aligned with each other, so sometimes they shift over time and create this space between them. An open bite can lead to tooth decay because food stays trapped in this space and becomes more challenging to clean. In addition, an open edge can lead to the lower front teeth shifting out of their correct position over time because they are not being used as generally as they should be when biting together. Vondran Orthodontics treatment with braces or other appliances is often all that’s needed to close this space and realign the upper and lower front teeth so you can chew more effectively again.
5) They prevent future problems
Finally, another great reason you should think about getting orthodontic treatment is to stop problems before they start. Many adults wear traditional metal ones during the middle phase of orthodontic treatment because their teeth will begin moving into their final positions shortly after that. This means you don’t need to have metal ones for an extended period. A great example is getting them on the upper front teeth only if you have an open bite. We know that untreated diastemas can eventually lead to tooth decay and gum disease, so orthodontic treatment at the right stage of development may prevent these problems from happening in the future. And because they are typically worn for a shorter amount of time, it’s also likely that you’ll spend less money on treatment than you would if you waited until your teeth were in the correct position before seeking orthodontic care.
Also, Braces are more effective than ever before. The materials used to create them today are aesthetically pleasing, but they also allow for greater control of the amount and direction of tooth movement. The wires used with traditional metal ones contain nickel, making them less elastic and easier to work with than modern cables. These days, orthodontists use newer wires made out of high-grade stainless steel or nickel-titanium (also called nitinol), which are much more flexible than their predecessors. In addition to providing increased flexibility, these new wire materials also add strength and durability to the braces, allowing them to hold up better under the pressure of tooth movement.
The brackets used to attach the wire to the teeth are also different than they were before—while traditional metal ones use round or rectangular frames, modern ones use smaller, more discreet brackets that blend almost seamlessly with your teeth. This is important because it prevents them from standing out when you smile and talk, which many adults worry about. The cases where larger brackets are appropriate are typically due to severe orthodontic problems that need active intervention to correct them (like they might be required for teenagers). But suppose you don’t have any significant issues with your teeth. In that case, the most effective way to straighten them is usually by using smaller, more discreet brackets and wires—which means fewer visits to Vondran orthodontics in Little Rock AR throughout treatment.
In conclusion, it’s essential to know that adult orthodontics is not the same as traditional ones for teenagers. Instead, they are designed specifically for adults with all kinds of issues, including crowded teeth, gaps between front teeth, and jaws that no longer line up correctly. By getting treated right away when you notice these problems cropping up in your mouth, you can prevent them from affecting the rest of your life and maintain a healthy smile at any age.