There are two different questions we need to answer when talking about adult braces. Those are “Do adults need braces?” and “Should adults get braces?” You’d think these questions mean the same thing but not really.
The whole reason for getting braces is to help straighten out the teeth. Malocclusion is a phenomenon that describes an uneven bite (uneven alignment of the teeth). Most times, malocclusion is caught in childhood and treated with bracing. Since malocclusion is the primary requirement for getting braces, you’ll agree that anyone without a proper dental alignment qualifies for braces.
Should adults get the braces?
Now, we get to the second question. The reason this question is different from the first isn't really a matter of necessity as it's aesthetics. Most adults view braces as something for children, not adults.
Getting braces as an adult may feel awkward. You have to deal with the discomfort of eating and brushing with metal grills hanging from your teeth; not to mention all the questions and sideways stares you’ll get as a result.
But then, you should consider that braces only have to stay on for about 18 months to 2 years. After then, the teeth are straightened out, and you can forget you ever even had braces on. Sometimes, the malocclusion might not be so severe, and you can get away with it without having to wear braces at all.
How old is too old for braces?
There are only two things that stop you from getting braces – weak gums and weak teeth. We will talk more about them next time. Besides these, people can get braces whenever they want, either they are 7 or 70 years old. There’s really no age limit to wanting to have a perfect smile.
What can stop you from getting braces?
Once you get over the aesthetics of having a set of braces as a grown-up, you’re that much closer to getting a straighter set of teeth. However, if you visit Top Alpharetta Dentists, they might advise you to postpone the procedure. This could be due to one of two reasons.
- You have gum disease.
- For some reason, your teeth aren't strong enough.
If you have gum disease, you can’t get braces because the braces may cause you pain or progress the disease. Gum disease is an infection in which bacteria grow in the mouth and attack the gums. You can experience symptoms like pain, redness, and swelling in your gums. This can cause your teeth to feel lose, and that’s why you can’t get braces. You must treat the gum disease first.
Different types of braces
The types of braces your dentist recommends for you vary according to functionality and visual appeal. People who don’t like metallic fixtures in traditional braces have the option of ceramic braces. They are the same color as the teeth and are much harder to see. However, ceramic braces are more expensive than normal metallic ones.
There are also removable clear aligners you can put on and off. Their job is to move the teeth a little, and not to align. People with more severe cases of malocclusion are advised to get braces instead of aligners.
