With the recent development in the field of orthodontics, children and adults alike are increasingly seeking treatment for oral difficulties they have been experiencing. However, there are significant differences between getting braces as an adult as compared to that for children. Take a look at the factors that warrant for the difference in orthodontic care for adults and benefits of adult orthodontics
Key Factors that Influence Adult Orthodontic Treatment Options
- Age-Related Concerns
- Bite Correction Issues
- Tooth Extraction Consideration
- Vulnerability
- Psychological Factors
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- Aesthetic concerns
- Discomfort from wearing braces
- Expected treatment outcome
- Willingness to comply with suggested procedures
With age, the bones also become harder and no longer grow, making it tougher to adjust to the teeth’s new positions, which takes even longer to heal as compared to that in younger patients. Such age-related limitations are known as biomedical limitations. They include all related problems, such as insufficient bone mass between the roots that allow adequate blood supply, mild gingivitis infections as well as age-related bone loss. Therefore, the treatment has to be highly specialized and altered as per each individual, which also affects the duration of the treatment as well as the final outcome.
Most people undergo orthodontic treatment to correct their bite. This condition is also known as malocclusion. However, in adult patients, this process is slightly complicated as more often than not, there is not enough room in the mouth to create space for the teeth to move without extracting a tooth or two and wornout, and damaged teeth only add to the problem. Such complications are also known as perio-restorative issues and are approached with the aim of making the patients bite functional rather than perfect.
In all probability, many adults have had more than one tooth extracted in the past, which poses a problem in the case of oral restorative treatments. This happens because the old extraction sites may not be suitable locations for teeth to move into unless they are restored by adding sections of prosthetic bone to the area. And since the chances of adult bones responding to pressure are significantly lower as compared to growing bones, closing such gaps and keeping them closed only adds to the problem.
Older patients undergoing orthodontics treatment have a higher risk for root resorption as compared to children. This occurs when your body reabsorbs the root of a tooth, leaving the tooth unanchored. Family history, oral habits, and the tooth composition are the other factors that further intensify this issue.
Adult patients also have a greater risk of developing Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), which can develop during the orthodontic treatment procedure; therefore, it is imperative that your dentist carefully assesses the risks of carrying out oral restorative procedures before commencing treatment.
Apart from the health-related issues, adults are also affected by a number of psychological and social factors, such as:
Benefits of Adult Orthodontics
Today more and more adults are choosing to straighten their teeth with braces, and orthodontic treatments are rising in popularity among adults. This shift can be attributed to the following reasons:
- Makes You Look Good and Feel Confident
- Corrects Your Bite
- Improves Oral and Overall Health
- Reduces the Risk of Dental Problems
- Modern Teeth Braces For Adults are Getting Better and Cost Less
Self-confidence is important at every stage of your life, whether you are a teen or an adult. Orthodontic treatment for adults helps you straighten your teeth, making you look better and feel great. Straighter teeth are also likely to make you date-worthy in personal life and more successful in professional life. The amount of confidence that a straight smile brings can help you succeed on every front.
Your bite is biologically complex as it involves up to 32 teeth, including the gums, the upper and the lower jaw, and your facial muscles. A healthy bite is the ultimate goal of every orthodontic treatment, and this goal can be met by ensuring that all the components are rightly positioned for optimal performance. Orthodontic treatment for adults enables you to enjoy biting, chewing, speaking, and smiling.
Research has shown that crooked and misaligned teeth can contribute to serious oral health issues in adults due to the buildup of food particles between poorly positioned teeth. Braces help avoid tooth decay, development of plaque, and gum loss while relieving the pain and discomfort that accompanies TMJ disorder. Orthodontic treatment for adults is designed to straighten the teeth, making them easier to clean and care for, leaving your mouth less susceptible to decay and periodontal disease. This is why oral health has a huge impact on your overall health.
Most people are unaware of the fact that misaligned teeth, if left untreated, can lead to frequent headaches, facial pain, earaches, and more. A misaligned bite can also affect the way you chew your food, inviting gastrointestinal issues. Choosing adult braces has benefits that go way beyond a beautiful smile by helping you avoid bone loss and premature wearing of teeth enamel.
Braces have come a long way in the recent past – from ugly looking metallic braces to sleek, comfortable, and less noticeable alternatives. You can choose between tooth-colored ceramic braces or an Invisalign aligner system that is custom-designed for a seamless look and comfortable feel. Also, both these options do not restrict your diet and let you brush and floss with ease. Not only are the ceramic braces and Invisalign lighter and less noticeable, but they also are comfortable and cost-effective.
Is Adult Orthodontic Treatment Right for You
Adult patients who are interested in orthodontic treatment usually fall into one of two categories: those who never had orthodontic treatment and those who had braces at some point but stopped wearing retainers.
At Thurman Orthodontics, we are happy to offer a variety of customized treatment options to suit our patients’ needs. Dr. Brian Thurman and our team believe you’re never too old to seek the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always wanted. We have many adult patients who are currently undergoing treatment. In fact, did you know that roughly 30 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults?
Invisalign® is a great treatment option for many adults. The Invisalign aligners are easy to wear and are not noticeable. They are perfect for busy professionals, students, athletes, or anyone who wants to conceal their treatment. Plus, Invisalign’s clear aligners are removable, so there are no restrictions on what you can eat during treatment. When considering Invisalign, we advise our patients to determine whether or not they can be diligent about wearing the aligners at all times and make them part of their lifestyle for the duration of treatment. Though Invisalign is not an ideal treatment solution for everyone, we offer a complimentary assessment to determine whether or not it may work for you.
If you have been thinking of a beautiful smile, please give us a call at 559-439-0425 to schedule your complimentary consultation at our convenient location in Fresno. We welcome children, teens, and adults alike. There has never been a better time to consider orthodontic treatment! You’ll be glad you did!
Related Post: Adult Braces: From Treatment Outcomes to Aftercare Tips
Dr. Brian Thurman has spent his entire life enjoying all the beauty that California has to offer. A Fresno native, he still escapes to the ocean or the mountains whenever his busy schedule allows. Driven by his love for natural beauty, Dr. Thurman enjoys creating beautiful smiles and healthy bites that last a lifetime. He is proud to be the only Ivy League trained Orthodontist in the Fresno/Clovis area.