Adult orthodontics: Should adults get braces?

Children and teenagers commonly wear braces to straighten their permanent teeth. However, teeth can shift back into their natural locations over time, resulting in crooked teeth. This also happens when you do not wear a retainer daily. Because of these difficulties, many individuals seek adult orthodontics treatment if they have a severe bite and crooked teeth that worsen with age.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists:

“One in five orthodontic patients is an adult. The main reason adults seek treatment is to improve their smiles and boost their confidence. Proper teeth alignment also boosts your oral health and overall health.”

Adults of all ages can benefit from braces or aligners. Adults may also seek therapy to straighten their teeth after having dental crowns, implants, or veneer procedures.

If you are facing the following misalignment issues, you could benefit from adult orthodontics treatment:

• Crooked teeth
• Teeth crowding
• Tooth misalignment or spacing (diastema)
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Bite open
• Facial or jaw irregularities
• Deep bite

What is the difference between adult orthodontics and childhood orthodontics?

Children aged 10 to 14 are the most common age group for orthodontic treatment. During adolescence, tooth crowding and bite or alignment difficulties are also visible, making it a perfect time to wear braces.

The main distinction between adult and pediatric orthodontics is that adult orthodontics offers fewer treatment possibilities. You might employ different devices, if necessary when you get braces as a child or teenager. These devices are examples of headgear, space maintainers, and palatal expanders.

Standard treatment options for adults

Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces, sometimes known as "transparent braces," are comparable to typical metal braces in that they perform the same function. They also have the exact dimensions and shape of metal braces.

On the other hand, Ceramic braces contain archwires and tooth-colored brackets rather than silver or gold brackets. The o-shaped rubber bands that wrap around each bracket are also available in clear or white. This allows them to merge in with your natural teeth better.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are metal braces as well. They are the least noticeable metal braces, but they might be more unpleasant due to their proximity to your tongue. However, instead of being attached to the front of your teeth, they are placed on the back of your teeth.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners are a new and popular orthodontic treatment option. Because they are nearly undetectable and removable, these aligners are an excellent choice for younger and older persons. The most well-known and trustworthy brand is Invisalign.

Although transparent aligners provide several advantages, the most significant negative is that their maintenance is complex. Moreover, you must keep them on for at least 22 hours per day. Furthermore, getting a new set of aligners is essential every one to two weeks.

Traditional braces

Traditional metal braces are a cost-effective and efficient treatment method. Metal braces, among other things, correct severe or minor tooth crowding, most bite abnormalities, and spaced teeth.

Metal braces have gold or silver brackets with o-shaped rubber bands that tie around each one. Traditional braces are also long-lasting, sturdy, and resistant to most treatment forces.

What are the advantages of adult braces?

The primary advantages of adult braces are:

• They improve the appearance of teeth, facial structure, and self-confidence.
• Braces not only enhance your dental health but also improve your overall health. Straight teeth, in particular, are easier to brush and floss, which aids in the prevention of dental decay and gum disease. Furthermore, if your teeth and gums are healthy, so will your body.

Conclusion

Adult braces are becoming increasingly popular and show no signs of easing. Technology provides options for a wide range of lifestyles and ways for swiftly and effectively finishing treatment.

Contact your Pinole dentist, Dr. Hoss Abar, DDS, MSD at Abar Orthodontics, to learn about Adult Orthodontics.

Resource:

Adult Orthodontics: What Are My Treatment Options?

This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.