Braces in Adulthood: What You Need to Know

Many individuals get braces when they’re children; however, some get them in adulthood. Since most people get braces when they’re younger, they wrongly assume that retainers, braces and other orthodontic apparatus are for children—that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

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Plenty of adults get adult braces for various reasons. Some may have a problem that wasn’t noticed until recently and want to correct the issue. Others might have grown up in homes where dental health wasn’t a priority, or they couldn’t afford braces, so they’d like to rectify the problems as adults.

Why Should You Get Adult Braces?

Are you aware that your teeth can shift a bit throughout your life? Many people assume that teeth movement occurs in kids, but it can also happen in adulthood.

There are many reasons why an adult would consider getting braces. Some people choose to get adult braces to align their teeth. Others get braces to improve their general oral health.

It’s much simpler to brush and floss straight teeth than crooked ones; therefore, braces may just be the key to bettering your oral health.

Questions To Ask Your Orthodontist

Before deciding to get braces, there are some questions you should ask your orthodontist to guide your decision making:

  • Will braces change your facial profile?
  • What other options are available to you? For example, Invisalign braces instead of metal braces.
  • Will you require rubber bands in addition to the braces?
  • Do you need any form of surgery?
  • Will having braces just realign your teeth, or will they improve your bite?
  • Will you experience any discomfort or pain once you get the braces?

Factors To Consider Before Getting Adult Braces

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Time

If you’re thinking about getting adult braces, the first question you should ask when you get to dental braces with Putney Dental Care or any other dental practice is how long you’ll have to wear them.

The time it’ll take will depend on why you are getting the braces in the first place. Some adults have braces for as little as one and a half years, while others may require them for as long as three years.

However, you shouldn’t get too hung up on how long you’ll need to wear them. Remember that you’re getting the braces to better your oral health, and that’s more important than how long you’ll have to wear them.

Cost and Availability

Get a second opinion if your dentist has found you viable candidates for adult braces. While braces might seem like the simplest method to straighten your teeth, you may have other options since you’re an adult.

On average, braces cost anywhere between $2,000 – $3,000 depending on the type you want. If your dental insurance doesn’t cover the cost of getting adult braces, you might be left footing the bill. However, some insurance plans cover part of the expense.

Dietary Restrictions

Having braces will impact your diet but not substantially. The dietary limitations will be as follows:

  • Fruits: Go for fruits that can be cut into pieces before chewing like apples.
  • Vegetables: Keep off hard raw veggies like broccoli, carrots and cauliflower. However, vegetables are part and parcel of a healthy diet; ensure you steam hard vegetables before consuming them.
  • Grains: These are usually baked or cooked, but they can get caught in your braces — make sure you cut them into bite-sized pieces before eating them.
  • Meat: Eating meat directly from the bone might be a challenge — ensure you remove the meat from the bone and cut them into bite-size pieces.
  • Candy: Keep off hard and sticky candy if you have braces.

Lifestyle Changes

Many adults are usually reluctant to get braces as they believe it will impact their lifestyle. Since they’ve never had braces, they think having braces will affect their daily routines.

When you get braces, you have to make time for regular checkups. Some people go for checkups every 4 to 6 weeks. Your orthodontist will need to check your progress to see if the braces are working.

You’ll also have to put extra effort into flossing and brushing to ensure you don’t damage your braces and clean your teeth properly.

What To Do When Your Braces Become Loose

Depending on the situation, you can handle loose braces in various ways. If your braces become loose, don’t panic; dealing with them is simpler than you might think.

It’s always a good idea to contact your orthodontist and book an appointment. If the braces are too loose, remove them gently and carry them when visiting your orthodontist.

If the wire pushes against your gum or lips, you can use a cotton swab to put it back in place gently.

What You’ll Experience If You Decide to Get Braces

If you decide to get braces, you should be ready to experience some discomfort the first few days. This discomfort will wear off within a week or two.

You’ll also have to be particularly aware of the need for additional flossing, brushing and getting rid of food particles between your braces. Always carry along a dental kit when travelling or working to remove any annoying food particles that may get stuck on your braces.

Bottom Line

Although you may feel a bit self-conscious about having adult braces, keep in mind that it’s only short-term, and the beautiful smile you’ll have when the braces come off will be well worth it. Besides, options such as Invisalign are less visible and ideal for the self-conscious.

 

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