Posted on January 31, 2022
We often associate braces with kids and teenagers, and with good reason. The majority of people do get braces when they are adolescents, as this is when braces are first recommended typically. Dentists will often recognize a potential need for braces during normal exams and refer their patients to orthodontists who can determine whether or not they actually need braces. But this doesn’t mean that those children always get braces when they should, or that issues that need to be corrected by braces can’t develop in adulthood. In fact, one out of three orthodontic patients are an adult. Let’s look into some of the reasons why people get braces in adulthood.
One of the most common reasons why people elect to get adult braces is that they have an underbite. An underbite can range from minor to severe, but it is generally more noticeable than an overbite. Chewing, swallowing, and speaking can be affected by an underbite, and this condition often causes the tooth enamel to be worn away over time. Adult braces can prevent tooth decay and other issues that often come with an underbite.
While an overbite is not as immediately noticeable as an underbite, it still needs to be corrected. An overbite can cause gradual damage and wear to occur within the teeth and is often connected to jaw pain.
Just as kids often get braces to correct crowding in the mouth, so do adults. Overcrowding often begins when the patient is a child; but if it is not corrected in childhood, it can continue to worsen well into adulthood. Brushing and flossing can be tricky when your teeth are crowded, causing issues like decay, gum problems, and infection.
Conversely, irregular, large spaces between teeth also need to be corrected through adult braces. This spacing can often leave room for food to get caught between teeth. You need to make sure that your teeth are properly aligned so that you can avoid these kinds of problems.
While adult braces can be intimidating, they actually aren’t very challenging once they are applied. Adults can wear traditional metal braces or difficult-to-detect Invisalign braces. With all of the options that are currently available, there is no reason to hesitate over getting adult braces. Contact us to learn more about what options are best for you!
