Can orthodontic braces prove beneficial for adults?

Adults often feel that orthodontics is only for younger ones. Thus, most of them end up ignoring the misalignment of teeth. No doubt, childhood is considered as an ideal time for undergoing orthodontic treatments. Gums and jaws are in better condition at a young age. However, even adults opting for such procedures get excellent results. The therapy can help in resolving aesthetic and oral, physical health concerns in adults. 

Ignoring orthodontic issues can result in more problems 

For some patients, oral and physical health reasons are more significant compared to cosmetic ones. Poor teeth alignment can cause multiple problems that are severe in nature. The condition puts stress on muscles that play a crucial role in chewing, resulting in facial pain. When teeth do not fit together after closing the jaw, the patient also starts suffering from a bad bite. Plus, crowded teeth make cleaning difficult, giving an open invitation to dental decay and gum disease. If left untreated for long, orthodontic problems can trigger jaw pain, earaches, headaches, gum and bone erosion, and TMJ disorders.

Path to straight teeth 

Braces slowly change the alignment of the teeth or jaw by applying a little-bit pressure on them. The new wire and brackets may need an adjustment after every four to six weeks. The overall treatment may last for 18 months or longer. 

When it comes to correcting misalignment, metal braces are still appreciated around the world. However, depending on the severity of the unevenness, your orthodontist may recommend lingual braces, porcelain braces, veneers, clear aligners, or Invisalign braces as a part of the treatment. 

If you are a person who does not appreciate a metal smile, you can opt for ceramic braces and brackets that match your teeth color. Such braces can also be fixed on the back of the teeth instead of the front. 

Clear aligners are tailor-made plastic trays that are transparent and fit on the top of teeth to change their alignment slowly. However, some dentists do not recommend them if the patient has a big gasp between the teeth. Plus, aligners are removable, so they are easy to lose.

Tooth-colored (porcelain made) thin chip-like veneers are covers that are bonded on the top of existing teeth to cover them. The option is suitable for individuals who do not wish to opt for orthodontics or correct the misalignment. Veneers are recommended as a quick fix for stained, dull, chipped, or small teeth. 

Bracket-based braces remain in the same position until the dentist removes them. The patient needs to take precautions while cleaning the areas around them to ensure plaque and tartar do not accumulate. A visit to the dental office may be required for adjusting braces and cleaning the accumulated tartar. Individuals who use aligners can simply remove them while eating and cleaning teeth. Brushing remains crucial, no matter whichever option the patient chooses.

Your smile does matter 

Details of a study released by the Open Journal of Stomatology in 2013 highlighted how an individual’s physical attractiveness and teeth (visible while smiling) could influence others. 

There’s ample research work that supports similar findings. Another one that made it in the headlines was published by the Public Library of Science (PLOS) ONE in 2012. Researchers behind this study concluded that people often determine the individual’s mate quality based on tooth color and spacing. The findings also highlighted that teeth are often looked upon as ornament displays. 

It’s never too late!

Several individuals over the age of 50 prefer to opt for orthodontic treatment due to oral discomfort. Dentists also come across patients who were not privileged enough to get braces while in their youth due to financial constraints. But wish to resolve orthodontic concerns as adults when they start earning. 

Even the natural growth of the jaw can trigger the misalignment of teeth. Jaw and mouth slowly change shape as an individual crosses 40 years of age. And the loss of jawbone’s density can result in misalignment of teeth. So, braces won’t just improve the dental alignment and smile but will get the overall health back on track. 

Compared to the health risks, investing in orthodontic treatment for resolving positioning issues can help in drastically improving physical and oral health. 

Poorly aligned bites, crowded smiles, and crooked teeth can also be treated and lined up as correctly as keys on a piano. Are you searching for a reputed clinic that offers orthodontics in Roswell, GA? If so, consider fixing an appointment at TruCare Dentistry. The dental office follows the CDC and ADA guidelines to ensure patient and staff safety during the COVID-19 crisis.