Choosing to straighten your teeth as an adult is quite a big decision – but it’s also one that will bring about lasting, long-term oral health benefits! Whether you’re wanting to correct long-standing issues or newfound bite or alignment issues, metal braces remain a viable option capable of making a big difference, no matter your age. Continue reading to learn about a few of the things you should expect as you kick off your orthodontic journey as an adult, along with some tips for navigating the process.
Can Adults Really Benefit from Wearing Braces?
When your teeth are misaligned, you may not notice any problems aside from the obvious: their appearance, which might dampen your self-confidence. Because of this, you might also not correlate it with dietary, speech, or other oral functionality issues. Your teeth will help you eat easily and speak clearly for your whole life; even minor misalignment or seemingly harmless bite issues can spell bad news for your whole smile.
The teeth themselves and the jaw joints can also be strained and harmed due to orthodontic issues. Furthermore, misaligned teeth trap bacteria more easily and are harder to keep cleaning, meaning that a crooked smile actually puts your oral wellness at a massive disadvantage.
All of these issues can affect patients of any age – so while even though braces are often associated with youth, the advantages are not exclusive to younger patients! While it’s true that braces are more often associated with children, since the jaw is more susceptible to change during youth, adults can still benefit from the treatment all the same.
How Can Adults Ensure a Smooth Orthodontic Process?
The process of wearing braces as an adult isn’t very different from what kids and teens must go through; like any other treatment plan, it’s carefully customized for a patient’s specific needs. You’ll still be expected to follow all guidelines concerning what you’re eating (no crunchy, hard, or chewy items), and of course, you’ll have to take time out of your schedule to attend quick, routine adjustment appointments. These check-ins are crucial for ensuring that things stay on track.
Oral hygiene is more important than ever before during orthodontic treatment; luckily, most adults have already established their daily hygiene regimens, meaning that many dental issues that might cause setbacks are mostly avoidable. It’s also worth being mindful about behaviors that could halt your orthodontic treatment or harm your dental health. Smoking, using tobacco, and frequently biting into hard objects can harm your teeth and orthodontic gear alike.
If you’re an older patient and you believe your teeth could benefit from braces, don’t worry; your window of opportunity hasn’t passed at all! Speaking with your dentist is all you need to do to get the ball rolling and begin improving your smile’s future.
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics Hopkinton has served the needs of families in Hopkinton and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide variety of orthodontic services for patients of all ages, including adults! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please feel free to reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 917-4466.