ADULT BRACES
Dental braces are not just for youngsters anymore. As dental braces have become less visible and bulky over the years, adults are also wearing them to improve their oral health and beautify their smile. This is why orthodontists today have become more familiar with the special needs and potential concerns of the patients over the age of 18 years.
Adults wear dental braces to correct their dental problems, which they weren’t able to do as children. Some people over the age of 18 years want to correct dental issues with their jaws or teeth, before these dental problems lead to serious oral as well as overall health problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, earaches, headaches, as well as problems with speaking, chewing or biting. Others want to appear good by getting the perfect smile they have always desired.
With the rapid advancement in orthodontics, dental braces have become the right choice for adults with the following dental problems:
- Spacing between teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Teeth crowding
- Overbites
- Crossbites
- Underbites
So, how do braces work? Dental braces are fixed appliances attached to teeth and help move the teeth to their right positions. Being the most efficient way of treating orthodontic problems, dental braces work by applying pressure on the teeth to move the teeth in their corrected position overtime. The time needed for orthodontic treatment depends on the kind of dental problem; however, the average time for treatment is around 18 months. You’ll be required to wear retainers when your dental braces are removed. Dental retainers are custom-designed, removable appliances that help the teeth remain in their corrected position after the removal of braces. It is advisable to consult an experienced orthodontist to discuss about dental braces as your treatment option.
Gone are the days when dental braces were considered a treatment option for children only. With the modern orthodontic technology, adults can also choose from a variety of new options available today, which include:
Ceramic braces
These braces are composed of a clear material which is less visible as compared to metal braces.
Customized plastic aligners
These aligners fit over your teeth like mouth guards, moving the teeth into their right position.
Brackets
Brackets are bonded to orthodontic bands or are attached to the front of the tooth with a dental bonding agent to help correct teeth misalignment.
How To Know If Adult Braces Are Right For You
Make sure to visit an orthodontist to discuss whether wearing adult braces can be an effective treatment for your dental problem. After observing and/or taking dental X-rays, the orthodontist will suggest a treatment option. Although adult braces are an efficient option for correcting teeth misalignment, an experienced orthodontist can recommend any other type of orthodontic treatment like headgear, removable retainers or aligners.
Leave a Comment