When we hear the word “braces,” we tend to imagine teenagers navigating their awkward years with metal brackets and rubber bands. Yet, an increasing number of adults are opting for orthodontic treatment to beautify their smiles and better their dental health. If you’re contemplating braces in Downtown Toronto, knowing the advantages and disadvantages can assist you in making an educated choice.
Benefits of Braces for Adults
1. Better Oral Health
Braces for adults have one of the greatest advantages of improved dental health. Crossed teeth result in difficult places where food gets stuck and there is a formation of plaque that can lead to cavities as well as gum disease. Once your teeth get straightened, brushing and flossing become more efficient to prevent these diseases.
2. Better Aesthetics and Boosted Confidence
A straight smile has usually been equated with beauty and confidence. Crooked or misaligned teeth are a source of embarrassment for most adults, which affects social lives and work opportunities. Braces make a smile more beautiful, enhancing confidence and self-esteem.
3. Bite Correction
Crooked teeth may contribute to bite conditions like overbites, underbites, and crossbites. They can cause pain in the jaw, chewing problems, and speech impairment. Braces align the jaw and teeth, resulting in improved overall function and comfort.
4. Prevention of Future Dental Issues
Untreated misalignment can lead to severe dental problems over time, such as excessive wear on certain teeth, jaw pain, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Braces address these concerns before they escalate, preventing costly and painful procedures in the future.
5. More Treatment Options
Today, adults have more choices than ever when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Traditional metal braces are still an option, but there are also clear aligners, ceramic braces, and lingual braces that offer a more discreet way to straighten teeth.
Drawbacks of Braces for Adults
1. Increased Treatment Duration
Adult bones do not grow anymore, and thus teeth migrate slower than adolescents. Therefore, treatment can be longer in adults, averaging from 18 months to three years, depending on the level of misalignment.
2. Discomfort and Pain
Braces exert consistent pressure to move teeth into proper alignment. It may be painful, particularly after adjustments are made. Although pain is most often minor and temporary, it remains an inconvenience for some.
3. Restrictions in Diet
Some foods harm braces, necessitating extra dental appointments to repair the damaged braces. Hard, chewy, and sticky foods like popcorn, gum, and caramel must be avoided to avoid damaged brackets or wires.
4. Maintenance Issues
Braces need more attention and care. It takes more effort to clean around the brackets and wires, and it is difficult to floss. Orthodontic flossers and water flossers may be used to assist, but they take extra time and effort in oral care on a daily basis.
5. Possible Speech Adjustments
A few adults can have temporary changes in speech when initially wearing braces, particularly with lingual braces or clear aligners. This generally gets better once the mouth acclimatizes, but it can be an initial hurdle.
6. Cost Factors
Orthodontic treatment is costly, and not all insurance policies include adult braces. Many dental offices, though, have flexible payment options to help make treatment more affordable.
Explore Your Options with Rusholme Family Dentistry
If you are thinking about getting braces, your first step should be to visit a dental expert. At Rusholme Family Dentistry, we offer individualized orthodontic treatments to enable adults to have their dream smile. From classic braces to more subtle solutions, our professional team can walk you through it.
Book an appointment with a dentist in Little Italy today and start on the path to a healthier, more confident smile!