Braces for adults – Breaking down the myths and realities

Orthodontic treatments such as braces aren’t exclusively for children. They are also used for effectively addressing dental concerns in adults. In the US alone, adults make up over 1.5 million orthodontic patients. However, like any other medical procedure, braces also have their positives and negatives. This article outlines a list of pros and cons of braces for adults to help you make an informed decision.

Advantages of Braces in Adults

• Orthodontic braces offer numerous benefits, ranging from aligning teeth to boosting self-esteem and preventing gum diseases.

Here are some of the key advantages:

Improved Appearance And Comfort

• One of the significant advantages of getting braces, regardless of age, is the enhancement in the appearance and comfort of your teeth. Proper alignment is crucial for dental health, and misaligned teeth can lead to discomfort over time.

Crooked teeth trap food particles that attract bacteria. Additionally, they make it difficult to brush and floss properly. Braces straighten your teeth and improve oral hygiene. If your teeth are causing discomfort, braces can offer an effective solution.

Minimize The Risk Of Dental Issues

• Braces reduce the likelihood of developing additional dental problems. When teeth fail to align properly, they can result in difficulties with chewing or swallowing over time, along with potential facial discomfort.

Moreover, misaligned teeth pose challenges in effective cleaning, complicating the removal of plaque and harmful bacteria. Thus, braces reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other periodontal diseases.

Facilitate Proper Chewing

• Individuals with issues like jaw misalignment often struggle with proper food chewing, potentially affecting digestion. Braces aid in addressing this issue by aligning teeth, thereby enhancing the ability to chew and promoting more efficient food digestion.

Save Money And Time

• Starting braces treatment at a young age minimizes the chances of dental diseases resulting from misaligned teeth. Bacteria trapped in improperly aligned teeth may, in certain instances, begin to deteriorate the underlying bone structure, potentially leading to serious dental complications. Nonetheless, braces offer a solution that can save both time and money that might otherwise be spent on fixing orthodontic problems.

Disadvantages Of Braces in Adults

Although the advantages of getting braces outweigh the disadvantages, here are a few things to consider.

Increased Treatment Duration For Adults

• One drawback of opting for braces as an adult rather than during childhood is the extended duration of treatment required. Adult bones lack the growth and flexibility observed in children, so they cannot be reshaped as quickly or effortlessly. Consequently, the treatment period may last up to two years for adults to achieve the desired results.

Restricted Food Options

• A drawback of wearing braces is the restriction of certain food items during treatment. Patients receive a list of prohibited foods, typically including hard and sticky items such as nuts, raw vegetables, candies, and gums.

These restrictions require patients to adjust their lifestyle and dietary habits, which can lead to discomfort over time. Moreover, it’s not easy to clean and maintain a pair of metal braces. Since you have to brush and floss around the wire to get between the teeth, cleaning can become difficult.

Initial Discomfort

• The first experience of getting braces can be uncomfortable due to the attachments placed on the front of each tooth. Additionally, the tightening process involves a metal wire exerting pressure on the teeth, which can result in soreness and discomfort. However, as the treatment progresses, the initial discomfort from braces typically diminishes, leading to a healthier and more aligned smile in the long run.

Icon Dental Center provides the best Orthodontic Treatment, including braces and aligners. You can find a detailed list of other treatments that we offer on our website. For consultations or bookings, call us at (206) 225-2882 for our Seattle Dentist Office and (425) 337-2400 for our Everett Dentist Office.