Orthodontics For Adults: Expert Insights and Tips

The trend of adults seeking orthodontic treatment is on the rise, with many opting for braces to enhance their smiles and oral health. The need for braces among adults can stem from various issues, including misalignment, mouth size, and aesthetic desires. Today, we at Woodlawn Orthodontics share our insights on Colgate’s article titled Tips For Adults With Braces. (Source: Colgate, Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications, January 9, 2023, https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/tips-for-adults-with-braces).

Reasons to Get Braces

Adults may need braces to correct misaligned teeth, improve oral health, and enhance their smile aesthetics. Misaligned teeth can lead to various complications, such as excessive tooth wear, gum disease, and jaw problems.

Woodlawn Orthodontics comments, “Proper alignment is not just about aesthetics but is crucial for maintaining long-term oral health. Addressing misalignment can prevent future dental issues and improve overall quality of life.”

Types of Adult Braces

There are several options for adult braces, including traditional braces, clear aligners, ceramic braces, and lingual braces, which are installed behind the teeth.

Woodlawn Orthodontics says, “Adults have unique dental needs and lifestyles, making personalized treatment options crucial. Options are vital for adults choosing orthodontic treatment because they allow for personalized care tailored to unique dental needs and lifestyles. Aesthetic choices like clear aligners and ceramic braces help maintain professional appearances. Different options offer flexibility, like removable aligners for convenience during meals and events. Adults can select treatments that best fit their daily routines, enhancing overall satisfaction. This variety ensures that each patient can find a comfortable, effective solution suited to their specific situation.”

What to Expect While Wearing Braces

Brushing with Braces: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is critical when wearing braces. Brushing after every meal and ensuring thorough cleaning around brackets is essential.

Woodlawn Orthodontics shares, “Brushing with braces requires extra care to maintain oral health. Adults with braces should brush after every meal as plaque and food can accumulate around brackets and wires. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, positioning the brush at an angle to effectively clean above and below the brackets. Electric toothbrushes can also be beneficial for thorough cleaning.”

Other Cleaning Methods: Flossing and the use of interdental brushes or water irrigators are recommended to effectively clean between teeth and braces.

Woodlawn Orthodontics highlights, “Using a water flosser is highly effective for adults with braces. It helps remove food and plaque from hard-to-reach areas between teeth and around brackets. To use a water flosser, direct the stream of water along the gum line and around each bracket, making sure to clean both the front and back of the teeth. This can greatly lower the risk of gum disease and tooth decay during orthodontic treatment.”

Watch What You Eat: Patients with braces should avoid hard, tough, crunchy, or sticky foods that could damage the braces. Cutting food into smaller pieces is advisable.

Woodlawn Orthodontics says, “Dietary modifications are a necessary part of protecting orthodontic appliances. Making smart food choices helps avoid any potential damage to braces.”

Special Considerations for Adults:

Age-Related Bone Structures: Adult bone structures are fully developed, which can affect orthodontic treatment outcomes. Issues such as bone loss need to be considered.

Woodlawn Orthodontics comments, “Thorough evaluations tailor treatment plans that consider each patient’s unique bone structure and overall dental health.”

Tooth Extraction Issues: Previous tooth extractions can pose challenges for orthodontic treatment, especially in creating suitable gaps for teeth movement.

Woodlawn Orthodontics mentions, “Advanced techniques manage gaps caused by extractions, ensuring effective and safe orthodontic care.”

Appliance Placement and Root Resorption: The placement of orthodontic appliances requires careful attention to oral hygiene. Additionally, the risk of root resorption must be monitored.

Woodlawn Orthodontics comments, “A proactive approach in monitoring and preventing root resorption, using the latest technology, safeguards patients’ dental health during treatment.”

Psychosocial Factors: Adults may have psychosocial concerns about wearing braces, such as appearance and treatment costs.

Woodlawn Orthodontics says, “Providing a supportive environment and detailed consultations addresses any concerns, ensuring patients feel confident and informed throughout their treatment journey.”

What to Expect When Braces Are Removed:

Retainers and Appliances: Post-treatment retainers, which can be removable or fixed behind the teeth, are crucial to maintaining the new alignment of teeth.

Woodlawn Orthodontics comments, “Post-treatment care is vital to maintaining orthodontic results. Personalized retainer options ensure smiles remain perfect long after braces are removed.”

Tooth Whitening: Patients often desire tooth whitening after braces, but it’s essential to address any white spot lesions or residual cement before whitening.

Woodlawn Orthodontics highlights, “Guidance on safe and effective tooth whitening post-braces ensures patients achieve not only straight but also brilliantly white smiles.”

Orthodontic care for adults is evolving. It focuses on advanced techniques and personalized treatment plans to meet the unique needs of every patient. Contact your local orthodontic specialist for more information about adult orthodontic treatments and services.