For adults wondering if they’ll see the same results as children or teenagers when it comes to braces, you’ll be happy to know that age isn’t a factor when it comes to orthodontics. No matter how old you are, braces can tame your teeth, alter your overall mouth health for the better, and give you a smile you can be proud of!
If your teeth are crooked, stick out, affect your bite, or your mouth is overcrowded, braces can help. They correct your teeth by putting gentle pressure on them. This pressure builds over months (short-term braces) or years (long-term braces), and your teeth move into their proper positions.
Adults often worry that they’ll have to wear metal braces that are highly visible and refuse to have their teeth corrected because of that. Nowadays, orthodontics come in many colours and styles. While many people still opt for traditional metal braces, there are models that are clear, and blend in with your mouth.
Another concern people have regarding braces is the cleaning routine, but those who have had braces before know that caring for braces is simple. As long as you continue to brush twice a day with an electric toothbrush and ensure the area around your braces is clean, you will not have any trouble.
Flossing is also key when it comes to keeping your teeth in your braces in top shape. You would be brushing and flossing anyway even if you didn’t have braces so as long as you maintain a proper oral hygiene routine, you’ll be fine!
Braces are effective in adults because they improve:
- Dental Function: Braces improve dental function in many ways. They correct your bite leading you to chew more easily by helping your jaw work the way it’s supposed to. People underestimate the value of chewing and leave underbites, overbites and crossbites untreated. Moreover, braces reduce the risk of wear and tear on your teeth. By correcting a bad bite with orthodontics, you don’t have to worry about your teeth mashing together in unnatural ways when you bite down.
- Oral Health: If your teeth are crooked, it makes them difficult to clean. Bacteria can build up in the awkward gaps found in a mouth with misaligned teeth. With braces, your teeth will straighten out and you’ll be able to clean them properly, allowing not only the look of your teeth to improve but your oral hygiene as well.
- Restorative Treatment: Braces can boost the effects of restorative dental work like dental implants. If you’ve had work done to replace chipped or missing teeth, braces will help keep the dental work in place.
- Self-confidence: Your post-braces smile will be radiant! You won’t shy away from situations where you’d be forced to smile because you’ll be proud of your perfectly aligned pearly whites.