Braces are dental devices often associated with children and teenagers who need their teeth realigned early in life. These ages are ideal for orthodontics because the teeth and gums are still malleable enough to move in the desired direction. Once they reach adulthood, their pearly whites are all set, and they’re ready to take on the world with confidence!
But while orthodontists agree it takes longer for adults wearing braces to achieve the same results, this does not detract from the fact adults can also use these dental devices and still greatly benefit from them.
Read on to know how braces are still a good idea for more mature patients:
Adult Braces Positively Impact Aesthetics and Mouth Function
Aligned pearly whites are the most visible benefits of getting braces. No need to hide your crooked teeth behind a closed smile anymore! You can flash those teeth proudly every time a photographer says, “Cheese!”
Adding to this aesthetic is the proper treatment of malocclusion or jaw misalignment. An underbite or overbite is a significant cause of teeth grinding and a misaligned smile. Adult braces correct the jaw’s position, causing great relief to those who suffer from lockjaw or other conditions when the mouth opens and closes.
Braces also equalise the gaps between teeth to prevent overcrowding, a condition where your teeth are bunched up together in a crooked alignment. Overcrowding causes bacteria and food debris to get stuck between teeth and significantly speed tooth decay and gum disease.
If you’re an adult with any of these oral conditions mentioned, set an appointment with a dentist immediately.
Adult Braces Come In Several Forms
Not the kind of person who fancies old-school wired braces? Don’t worry! Adults have several types they can choose from:
- Lingual: Lingual braces are similar to the standard fixed dental braces but are placed behind the teeth instead of the front. Their placement makes it easier for patients to wear a smile without being self-conscious. However, these braces can cause slight speech confusion, especially when saying letters or words that require tongue inflections or movements (f, h, l, n; flake, herbs, lemon, nice).
- Invisalign®: These are removable, transparent braces moulded according to the shape of your teeth that will realign them through a series of plastic trays. Most adults prefer Invisalign because no one can tell they’re wearing braces.
- Retainers: Once braces set teeth in the proper formation, orthodontists require retainers to preserve their alignment and prevent regression. This device keeps teeth in their new position and encourages bone growth to solidify the alignment.
- Fixed: The most basic form of braces are composed of brackets and an archwire. The brackets are glued onto the teeth while the wire links them together. Alignment occurs during appointments where the dentist tightens the wires or replaces them with shorter ones to guide teeth to the desired formation.
Adult Braces Take More Time to Achieve Results
It’s not all glitzy, glamorous smiles from start to finish. Adult braces have a few drawbacks you need to be aware of, too.
Aside from the speech confusion and discomfort due to alignments, fixed braces brackets could irritate and even wound your inner lips. And while children only need two years on average for realignment, adults need three or more for proper alignment plus regular, nightly use of retainers to keep every tooth in place.
Conclusion
Even with a price tag of $5,000 to $6,000, adult braces positively impact your quality of life. The inconveniences are worth the realigned teeth, reduction of tooth and gum diseases, a properly-set jaw, and the best smile you can flash!
Set your appointment with Enamel Dental Studio if you’re looking for braces in Brisbane. We provide quality dental services for adults and kids alike, so contact us today!