Posted on April 5, 2021
Statistics from the American Association of Orthodontists show that 25% of all orthodontic patients are eighteen years and above. Braces are no longer a reserve for young teens and kids. With more subtle options for adult braces available, you can take advantage of this opportunity to have your teeth straightened.
Improve oral health, correct bad bites, improve facial structure, boost confidence, solve TMJ issues; there’s arguably no limit to the benefits attributed to orthodontic treatment. However, committing certain mistakes during treatment can delay these results. Here are five costly pitfalls that you may need to watch out for when wearing adult braces.
Adult braces demand a higher level of dental hygiene throughout the treatment period. Skimping on your brushing and flossing may result in tooth discoloration, plaque or tartar build-up, gum disease, and decay. You may need to refine your brushing technique as instructed by the orthodontist, brushing at least twice daily. It is also advisable to floss and thread at least once every day. A fluoride mouthwash may come in handy in situations where you may not have the luxury to brush after your meal.
While you may have a sweet tooth for hard candy, it would be in your best interest to avoid them as the orthodontist instructed. Your orthodontist in Encino may have provided you with a list of foods that you may have to avoid as you wear your adult braces. Eating the ‘forbidden’ hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can cause damage to your brackets and wires, further extending your treatment period.
Every type of adult braces comes with a set of instructions that you may have to follow for maximum impact. For example, people wearing Invisalign aligners ought to have the custom aligners on for 20-22 hours a day. Ignoring this instruction may result in delays in your treatment. While it may be tempting to sleep without the elastics for your metal braces, it may affect your tooth realignment.
You may have a busy schedule at work, which causes you to frequently miss out on your orthodontic appointments. However, skipping your visits to the orthodontic practice may be detrimental to your treatment plan. For traditional metal braces, the orthodontist utilizes the visit to assess your progress and tighten your wires. For Invisalign, you can collect your next set of aligners after the orthodontists inspect your teeth realignment. You also get a chance to replace any broken parts from your adult braces.
While orthodontic treatments are ideal for all age-groups, waiting too long to get your adult braces may slow down your dream for straight teeth. As you age, your bones become less elastic, and some structural alliterations may require surgical intervention. The process may be longer for an older person as compared to a young adult. Take time to schedule your appointment as soon as possible.
Adult braces are excellent solutions for combating bad bites and poor oral health. Avoiding these five mistakes can hasten your treatment process, giving you a straight smile in no time. For more information on how to look after your braces, feel free to contact Orthodontics LA to schedule an orthodontic appointment.
