Dental braces are an integral part of modern dentistry because they help address numerous oral defects, including crooked teeth, misaligned bites, overcrowded teeth, teeth straightening, among others. In the past, braces were only designed for children. With the current technological advancements, customized clear teeth aligners have become very common, making it possible for adults to enjoy the benefits of having straight teeth without enduring the discomfort and shame of wearing ugly metal wires.
Be that as it may, there have been questions about the right time to have dental braces, with some people even questioning the effectiveness of braces in adults. Although this type of orthodontic treatment has shown to be more effective in children, nothing stops an adult from enjoying similar benefits as long as their physical and mental state allows it.
So many adults are wearing dental braces and coming out with excellent results. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in every five orthodontic patients is above 18. However, there are certain factors you have to take into consideration when you are going for this kind of orthodontic treatment, especially if you are trying to rectify longstanding cosmetic defects, bite problems, or effects of tooth loss.
Factors to Consider When Getting Dental Braces
Jaw Structure
When you reach a certain age, your bones stop growing, affecting the structure of your jawbone. This makes it difficult for you to get the desired results from orthodontic treatment. To prevent this, your dentist needs to carry out some minor structural changes through surgery. So, if you have any underlying medical condition that prevents you from having the surgery, your chances of getting dental braces are very low.
Bone Loss
Before you go for orthodontic treatment as an adult, it is important to see your periodontist and general dentist for a thorough examination of your jawbone and gum. This helps to rule out the likelihood of bone loss due to gum diseases, which can be detrimental to your overall orthodontic treatment. If any of these defects exist, the best thing will be to correct them first before putting on the braces.
Length of Treatment
FFor older patients, the treatment process tends to take longer than for kids or teenagers. Although the duration of straightening the teeth varies from patient to patient, typically, this kind of treatment can last up to two years.
In summary, children tend to respond better and faster to orthodontic treatment than adults, but age alone cannot stop you from getting dental braces.
